New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) and iDG10 Solutions Private Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch India’s first industry-anchored training, validation, and consultancy partnership in Subsea Pipeline Design Technology. The collaboration aims to build domestic capability in a niche and strategic field critical to India’s offshore and energy infrastructure development.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, and Silvi Francis Farnand, A&P Director and Co-founder of iDG10 Solutions Pvt. Ltd., in the presence of Dr. Sarang Gumfekar, Associate Dean, Continuing Education and Outreach, and Prof. Dhiraj K. Mahajan, who will coordinate the initiative from IIT Ropar’s side.
This 60-month partnership will leverage IIT Ropar’s academic and research expertise along with iDG10’s proprietary Subsea Pipeline Design Tool (SPDT) software to deliver world-class training, tool validation, consultancy, and student capstone projects, all within India. The collaboration is expected to significantly reduce dependence on international providers for such specialized education and services.
Key highlights of the collaboration include:
Software licensing: iDG10 will provide educational and validation licenses of its SPDT and related software tools to IIT Ropar for student and research use.
Industry-ready training: A flagship Subsea Pipeline Design course will offer five days of classroom learning at IIT Ropar followed by a 21-day live project using SPDT for hands-on design experience.
Capstone & research projects: Students will have access to SPDT for real-world projects; top performers will receive extended technical support and tool access.
Joint consultancy: IIT Ropar and iDG10 will offer joint consultancy to sectors including Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater, Hydrogen transport, District heating and cooling, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCTSU), Mining, and Thermal power infrastructure.
The initiative is designed to localize advanced offshore engineering skills, enhance employability, and provide industry access to affordable, high-quality consultancy aligned with global standards. It will also contribute to India’s technology self-reliance in energy transition domains such as hydrogen and carbon capture.
Commenting on the collaboration, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja said, “The MoU marks an important step toward building home-grown capability in a highly specialized and strategic area of offshore engineering. Our students and researchers will gain practical, tool-based experience that directly addresses industry needs and national infrastructure priorities.”
Silvi Francis Farnand added, “We are excited to partner with IIT Ropar to bring SPDT-driven education and consultancy to India’s engineers. This collaboration will help bridge the gap and enable faster, safer, and more cost-effective subsea pipeline projects.”
The programme will issue a joint certificate from IIT Ropar and iDG10 Solutions upon completion, with the top five candidates receiving three months of SPDT support. Eligible participants include final-year B.Tech/M.Tech students (Mechanical or Civil) and professionals in Oil & Gas, offshore, marine, and related sectors.
This MoU strengthens IIT Ropar’s focus on industry collaboration, applied research, and technology translation in support of India’s infrastructure and energy goals.
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