Guwahati: With an aim to promote space technology research and innovation, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has entered into a partnership with Skyroot Aerospace, a leading Indian space launch service provider.
The partnership will open new avenues for the students in the field of advanced aerospace innovation focused on satellite launch collaboration, internships, joint projects, academic course development, facility sharing, and industry-focused training programs.
To formalise the collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Prof. Sumana Dutta, Dean, Alumni and External Relations, IIT Guwahati, and Ashwin Mahavadi, Senior Vice President, Skyroot Aerospace. The event took place in the esteemed presence of Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati.
Other dignitaries present during the MoU signing event included Prof. Sukumar Nandi, Dean Administration, Prof. Rohit Sinha, Dean R&D, and Dr. Sajan Kapil, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, from IIT Guwahati, along with Venkata Sandeep Kumar D., R&D Engineer, Skyroot Aerospace.
Effective for an initial period of five years, the MoU will enable both organisations to explore funded R&D projects aligned with India’s strategic priorities in space technology. This will include the development of advanced space-grade components using additive manufacturing techniques.
Speaking about IIT Guwahati’s MoU with Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “IIT Guwahati sees strong value in engaging with young and innovation-driven companies like Skyroot Aerospace that are shaping India’s space ecosystem. Through this MoU, we aim to support advanced research, student training, and technology development aligned with national priorities. Such partnerships reflect IIT Guwahati’s vision of enabling translational research and nurturing indigenous high-technology ventures in India.”
Speaking about the partnership, Ashwin Mahavadi, Senior Vice President, Skyroot Aerospace, said, “IIT Guwahati has been a strong supporter of our metal additive manufacturing research, especially in Wire Arc DED and Laser Powder DED, as we develop world-class space solutions in India. This partnership will help us translate research into production-ready solutions at scale, while nurturing the next generation of space engineers through hands-on mission experience and advanced research programs — further strengthening India’s position in the global space economy.”
The collaboration will also explore subsidised research payloads on Skyroot’s Vikram-series launch vehicles to enable IIT Guwahati students to gain hands-on experience in space missions. It will also facilitate thesis projects, research engagements, and internship opportunities for the students at Skyroot’s R&D ecosystem.
Keeping in mind the growing importance of research and development in the space sector, the collaboration further aims to develop joint undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in space and aerospace technologies. The collaboration will also enable Skyroot employees to pursue higher education programs at IIT Guwahati in accordance with the institute’s norms.
Speaking about the collaboration Dr Sajan Kapil, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “We have been working closely with the Skyroot team on realizing metallic parts using Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition and have already completed a few successful case studies. Recently, we secured an ANRF ARG project focused on Cu and Cu-alloy deposition using DED, with Skyroot as an honorary partner. We look forward to deepening this collaboration toward space-grade additive manufacturing solutions.”
Technical advisory exchanges, joint short-term training programs, and shared use of specialised testing and research facilities will also be a part of this collaboration.
This partnership reflects IIT Guwahati’s commitment to strengthening academia-industry cooperation and supporting India’s growing ambitions in the global space economy.
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Notably, Skyroot Aerospace is India’s leading private space launch company, democratizing access to space through its Vikram-series of launch vehicles. India’s first private company to launch a rocket to reach space — Vikram-S in 2022 — Skyroot is set to begin commercial orbital launches with Vikram-1.
Headquartered in Hyderabad, Skyroot operates with a team of over 1000 space professionals, leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies, including carbon composites and 3D-printed engines, to build affordable, on-demand and versatile launch vehicles.
