Heritage Institute of Technology and IIT Kanpur Unite to Create New Pathways in Research, Learning & Student Exchange

Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, (HITK), and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9th September 2026 to strengthen academic and research collaboration and create new opportunities for student exchange and experiential learning.

The MoU marks a significant milestone in HITK’s continued efforts to expand its academic and research partnerships with premier institutions and provide its students and faculty with greater exposure to India’s leading centres of knowledge, research and innovation.

A key component of the MoU is the proposed Student Exchange Programme, which will provide students of Heritage Institute of Technology opportunities to spend a period of academic engagement at IIT Kanpur and participate in relevant academic, research and innovation activities. Through this exchange, students will be able to experience a different academic environment, interact with faculty members and students at IIT Kanpur, explore advanced areas of study and research, and gain valuable exposure beyond the conventional classroom.

The Student Exchange Programme is envisioned to encourage cross-institutional learning, academic mobility and knowledge sharing, enabling students to broaden their perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and interdisciplinary areas.

The MoU will also facilitate joint research and academic collaboration between faculty members and researchers of the two institutions. The partnership will encourage collaborative research projects, joint academic initiatives, seminars, workshops, conferences, expert lectures and other mutually beneficial scholarly activities.

The collaboration is expected to create avenues for researchers and faculty members to work together on contemporary and emerging areas, while fostering a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary research and knowledge creation.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Basab Chaudhuri, Principal, Heritage Institute of Technology said, “Our collaboration with IIT Kanpur is an important step towards expanding academic and research opportunities for our students and faculty. The Student Exchange Programme is particularly significant, as it will enable our students to experience the academic and research ecosystem of one of India’s premier institutions. We believe such exposure can inspire students to think beyond boundaries and pursue excellence in research, innovation and higher education.”

Prof. Ashoke De, Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Kanpur said, “Academic collaborations and student mobility play an important role in strengthening the higher education ecosystem. We look forward to meaningful engagement with Heritage Institute of Technology through collaborative research, academic activities and student exchange, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and mutual learning.”

Mr. Pradip Agarwal, CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions, Kolkata said, “The MoU represents a shared commitment towards academic excellence, research, innovation and student development. The proposed Student Exchange Programme, in particular, is expected to open new avenues for students to gain academic exposure, engage with new perspectives and explore research opportunities at IIT Kanpur.”

Through this partnership, Heritage Institute of Technology and IIT Kanpur aim to build a sustained platform for academic collaboration, collaborative research and student mobility, contributing to the development of future-ready talent and strengthening India’s higher education and research ecosystem.