Merck, a leading science and technology company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and help develop future-ready talent for the healthcare sector.
On the occasion, Merck Healthcare R&D India also launched its flagship program- Catalyst at MAHE. This is a structured three-month training initiative designed to equip students with the practical skills and industry knowledge required for real-world roles in critical research and development areas with structured sessions by subject matter experts from Merck.The program will be delivered through MAHE’s academic ecosystem, leveraging its interdisciplinary strengths and student talent across health sciences, life sciences, and allied domains.
“Merck’s partnership with MAHE reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the link between academic excellence and industry relevance, and to help students be better prepared for their professional journey. Merck has seen encouraging outcomes from similar collaborations with institutions like JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research and Dayananda Sagar University, and the company looks forward to building on that momentum with MAHE,” said Suneela Thatte, VP and Head, Merck Healthcare R&D India, who attended the signing ceremony.
The event was also attended by Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) of MAHE, and Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE. “Collaborations such as this with Merck are integral to MAHE’s vision of building a future-ready talent ecosystem. By bringing industry closer to the classroom, we are enabling our students to engage with real-world challenges, emerging technologies, and global research practices in healthcare. The Catalyst Program is a significant step in strengthening this interface and preparing our students for impactful careers in R&D,” said Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE.
As part of its broader commitment to advancing innovation in healthcare research and development, Merck is strengthening external collaborations to build a sustainable future talent pipeline. The company has established partnerships with eight academic institutions across India, including MAHE, serving as a key academic partner for healthcare R&D talent development, reinforcing its role in supporting innovation within the country’s healthcare and academic ecosystem.