NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) and India Optel Limited (IOL), a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in defence research and technological innovation.The MoU was signed in Dehradun on October 5, 2026. It establishes a framework for cooperation in innovation, indigenisation, training, internships, research and other areas of mutual interest, bringing together IIT Roorkee’s multidisciplinary research capabilities and IOL’s expertise in defence technologies.Partnership to support indigenous defence technologiesThe collaboration will leverage IIT Roorkee’s academic expertise, research infrastructure and multidisciplinary capabilities alongside IOL’s experience in defence systems. The areas include electro-optical sensor systems, weapon sights, communication equipment and defence opto-electronic systems for the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces.Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said the partnership would support the translation of academic research and technological innovation into solutions aligned with India’s strategic defence requirements. He also highlighted opportunities for collaborative research, student engagement, technology development and knowledge exchange.Smt. Sharmishtha Koul Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director, India Optel Limited, said the partnership would strengthen engagement with academic institutions to address defence requirements, explore emerging technologies and develop solutions for the Indian Armed Forces.MoU covers research, training and internshipsThe agreement provides opportunities for joint activities in research and development, capacity building, training and internships. It also aims to strengthen the interface between academic research and India’s defence manufacturing sector.The MoU was signed for IIT Roorkee by Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean, Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRIC). Shri Nitesh Goel, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), signed on behalf of India Optel Limited.Senior officials attend signing ceremonyThe signing ceremony was attended by Shri Vishal Garg, Director (Finance), and Shri Shambhu Sharma, Director (Operations), India Optel Limited. From IIT Roorkee, Prof. Tarun Sharma, Associate Dean, Innovation & Incubation, and Prof. Sanjeev Manhas, Head, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, were present along with other senior officials and representatives.
