Mahindra University has taken a significant step toward strengthening industry–academia collaboration with the announcement of its partnership with Bajaj Auto Limited (BAL) to set up a Bajaj Engineering Skill Training (BEST) Centre on its Hyderabad campus. With this collaboration, Mahindra University becomes the first private institution in Telangana to host a BEST Centre under Bajaj Auto’s flagship CSR initiative.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, and Mr. Sudhakar Gudipati, Vice President, CSR, Bajaj Auto Ltd., along with university faculty members and representatives from the company.
Designed to bridge the widening gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, the BEST Centre will train engineering students in two high-demand verticals: Advanced Manufacturing (Industry 4.0 & Industrial Internet of Things) and Firmware Development. These domains represent the future of engineering, where digital integration, automation, and embedded systems dominate industrial innovation.
As part of the collaboration, Bajaj Auto will contribute directly to the Centre’s development. Expert engineers from the company have co-created the curriculum to ensure alignment with real-world applications, addressing existing academic gaps while staying fully attuned to modern industrial requirements. Bajaj Auto’s CSR division will additionally sponsor the specialised infrastructure and equipment required to operate both the manufacturing and firmware verticals.
Speaking about the strategic partnership, Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, said the initiative reinforces the university’s commitment to creating industry-ready engineers.
“With the evolving demands of diverse industries, we aim to ensure that students gain practical exposure to the technologies shaping the future. Through the BEST Centre, we will not only enrich the academic experience but also contribute significantly to India’s advancement as a global technology leader and strengthen the nation’s skill ecosystem,” he stated.
The BEST Centre will not only benefit Mahindra University students but will also extend training to external engineering students in their final year. These short-term, internship-style programmes aim to equip young engineers with essential hands-on skills, improving their employability and readiness for careers in core technical fields.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Mr. Sudhakar Gudipati, Vice President, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said:
“We are delighted to sign the first MoU in Telangana with Mahindra University to set up the Bajaj Engineering Skill Training (BEST) Centre. The integration of industry-oriented curriculum as part of the regular B. Tech course will ensure that when students graduate, they are industry-ready and able to secure jobs in core engineering industries.”
The BEST Programme, one of Bajaj Auto’s flagship CSR efforts, has already made significant strides across India by partnering with leading engineering institutions. With modern laboratories, hands-on modules, and a contemporary curriculum built around real-world industrial challenges, the programme aims to revolutionize engineering education by creating a generation of future-ready engineers.
The establishment of the BEST Centre at Mahindra University reinforces the institution’s position as a forward-looking academic leader, committed to nurturing talent and contributing to India’s technological progress.
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