BITS Pilani, RPI Collaborate On Joint Degree & Semiconductor Research Programmes

BITS Pilani, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), USA, a 200-year-old Institute known for its rigorous academic programmes, pioneering research and commitment to producing leaders in science and engineering. The intent of this partnership is to establish academic cooperation and offer joint educational programmes and research initiatives. The development marks a significant step towards enhancing worldwide academic engagement between two premier institutions in the fields of engineering, science and technology.

The two institutions shall work towards offering two-plus-two programmes for a bachelor’s in engineering degree with focus on semiconductor technologies and a three-plus-two programme for a Bachelor and master’s in engineering degree. Often called as ‘Twinning Programmes’, such programmes offer students the opportunity to study in the two institutions, earning degrees from both the universities.

The collaboration fully aligns with the vision and objectives of India Semiconductor Mission and the US CHIPS programme and will be pivotal in providing skilled professionals to the industry. BITS and RPI will also conduct collaborative research through a joint Ph.D. programme and a centre of excellence in battery technology.  

The agreement was formalised during a visit by senior leadership from BITS Pilani to RPI, including V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, Arya Kumar, Senior Professor & Dean, Alumni Relations and Sachin Arya, Head, Alumni Relations & Technology Business Incubators, BITS Pilani. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of RPI leadership, together with Schmidt, Provost Rebecca Doerge and Dean of Engineering Shekhar Garde, emphasising the mutual commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and education.

Established in 1824, RPI is the first technological research university in the United States. Instrumental in the U.S. industrial revolution and achievements such as the transcontinental railroad and the Brooklyn Bridge, RPI alumni include many groundbreaking inventors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, including Curtis Priem, co-founder, NVIDIA, Marcian Hoff, inventor, microprocessors and Steven Sasson, inventor of the digital camera, amongst others. RPI is the first and only university in the world to house an IBM Quantum System One on its campus.