BITS Pilani, T-Works Sign MoU To Foster Innovation And Collaboration In National Security
Hyderabad: The Centre of Research Excellence for National Security (CRENS) at Hyderabad’s Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), a noted private engineering and science institution, signed a landmark MoU with T-Works, India’s largest prototyping centre, to foster innovation and collaboration in national security on Monday.
The event was formalised in a special ceremony held at the Telangana State Government Secretariat in the presence of Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications; Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan (IAS); and Deputy Secretary Bhavesh Mishra (IAS).
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The partnership marks a significant step toward translating cutting-edge research into tangible solutions for national security. Established to advance indigenous technology development in national security, CRENS will leverage T-Works’ world-class prototyping capabilities to transform academic innovations into impactful products.
The MoU was signed by T-Works CEO Joginder Tanikella and Director of BITS Pilani Hyderabad, Prof. Soumyo Mukherji. CRENS Head Prof. M. Rama Manohara Babu and Associate Head of CRENS Prof. Amrita Priyadarshini were also present at the event.
The MoU outlines five key areas of collaboration, including addressing national security challenges through innovative solutions and advancing projects across various Technology Readiness Levels. It also aims to equip entrepreneurs with the technical and business acumen required to scale their ventures through innovation boot camps, certification courses, and workshops.
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Under the MoU, a mentorship ecosystem will provide expert guidance on technology and business strategies, with advisory boards formed to support startups in their growth journey. It aims to boost collaborations between both institutions and industries to test, validate, and transfer mature technologies for the production. By sharing resources, its primary goal is to create a dynamic ecosystem through collaborations between faculty, researchers, and startups with national security organisations and industry partners.
Speaking about strengthening national security innovation, Prof. Soumyo Mukherji, Director of BITS Pilani Hyderabad, noted, “This MoU symbolises the synergy between academia and industry. With T-Works’ advanced prototyping capabilities, CRENS is poised to transform its research into meaningful, scalable solutions for India’s national security framework.”
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T-Works CEO Joginder Tanikella echoed similar sentiments and emphasised how the collaboration aligned with the vision of T-Works, which includes supporting startups and innovators to develop products that address critical national needs.
CRENS represents a strategic initiative to enhance the nation’s security capabilities through indigenous technology development. By collaborating with organisations such as DRDO, ISRO, DAE, tri-services, paramilitary forces, police, defence PSUs, and industries, CRENS aims to advance self-reliance in the national security domain. Its efforts contribute to India’s strategic and economic growth, ensuring a secure and prosperous future.
