- Partnership to support joint R&D, specialised training, professional programmes, internships and technology-driven initiatives
Gandhinagar, September 17, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (Gujarat ATS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in research, technology, capacity building and professional development.
The partnership will create a framework for joint research and development, specialised training, professional programmes, internships and technology-driven initiatives involving students, researchers, working professionals and subject matter experts.
MoU Signed on September 15
The MoU was signed on September 15, 2026, by Sunil Joshi, IPS, Deputy Inspector General, Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad, and Prof. Vimal Mishra, Dean R&D, IITGN.
The signing took place in the presence of Prof. Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN; Prof. Sivapriya Kirubakaran, Chemistry, IITGN; Mr. Siddharth Korukonda, IPS, Gujarat ATS; Mr. Anand Pandey, Chief Operating Officer, IIEC, IITGN, and other faculty members.
Joint Research and Technology Initiatives
Under the partnership, IITGN and Gujarat ATS will explore initiatives including:
- Joint research and development projects
- Specialised workshops
- Webinars
- Capacity-building programmes
- Professional development initiatives
- Technology-driven solutions
- Knowledge exchange between researchers and professionals
The R&D activities will be aligned with areas relevant to Gujarat ATS and may involve researchers, subject matter experts and professionals from both organisations.
Focus on Real-World Research Challenges
Prof. Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, said the collaboration would connect academic research and technology capabilities with real-world requirements.
According to Prof. Moona, Gujarat ATS brings domain expertise and practical challenges, while IIT Gandhinagar can contribute its research, technology and academic capabilities. The collaboration is expected to create opportunities for joint research, professional learning and student and researcher engagement with challenges relevant to society.
Prof. Vimal Mishra, Dean R&D, IITGN, said the MoU brings together IITGN's research capabilities and Gujarat ATS's domain expertise to explore joint R&D and technology-driven solutions.
Project Spandan and Modern Policing
Sunil Joshi, IPS, Deputy Inspector General, Gujarat ATS, highlighted the role of Project Spandan in bringing advanced research into modern policing.
He stated that collaboration with institutions such as IIT Gandhinagar could help connect academic expertise with operational challenges faced by Gujarat ATS in the area of national security.
The partnership is also intended to facilitate the development of technology-based tools for intelligence and digital investigations, according to the Gujarat ATS representative.
Professional Development Opportunities
The MoU will also create professional development opportunities for Gujarat ATS personnel through IITGN's Executive Masters and other academic programmes.
Subject matter experts from Gujarat ATS may contribute to IITGN's online courses through:
- Special lectures
- Instructor or co-instructor roles
- Inputs for course curricula
They may also contribute inputs to professional online degree programmes such as e-Masters or equivalent programmes.
Internship and Job Opportunities for IITGN Students
The collaboration will provide opportunities for IITGN students to seek internships and job opportunities with Gujarat ATS, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements and selection process.
This component can provide students with opportunities to gain exposure to professional challenges and applications of technology in areas relevant to the organisation.
Potential Areas of Collaboration
The MoU identifies several potential areas for research and academic collaboration, including:
- Energy Policy and Regulation
- Data Science and Decision Making
- Applications of Machine Learning in Engineering
- Composites
- Energy Sustainability
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
These areas provide a broad academic and technical scope for potential joint projects and initiatives.
Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Provisions
The agreement includes provisions concerning:
- Confidentiality
- Publications
- Intellectual property rights
- Sharing of financial benefits
Specific terms and conditions for individual projects and activities will be mutually agreed upon by the two organisations before the respective activities commence.
MoU to Remain Effective for Three Years
The MoU will remain effective for a period of three years from its effective date, unless it is extended, amended or terminated through mutual agreement between the organisations.
Key Facts
- Institutions: IIT Gandhinagar and Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad
- Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Signing date: September 15, 2026
- Location: Gandhinagar
- Focus: Research, technology, capacity building and professional development
- Key activities: Joint R&D, workshops, webinars, training and technology initiatives
- Student opportunities: Internships and potential job opportunities, subject to eligibility and selection
- Professional programmes: IITGN Executive Masters and other academic programmes
- Potential research areas: Data Science, Machine Learning, Energy Sustainability, Composites and Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Duration: Three years from the effective date
The IIT Gandhinagar-Gujarat ATS MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between an academic research institution and a specialised law-enforcement organisation. The partnership is expected to facilitate joint R&D, professional learning, capacity building, technology-oriented initiatives and opportunities for students and researchers to engage with real-world challenges.
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