In a landmark step towards fostering interdisciplinary education, research excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional development, the Indian Institute of Management Jammu and the National Institute of Technology Srinagar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 8 June 2026 to establish a comprehensive framework for long-term academic and institutional collaboration. The MoU was formally exchanged in presence of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, by Prof. (Dr.) Atikur Rehman, Registrar, NIT Srinagar and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran (R), Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu.

Representing NIT Srinagar were Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, Dean Research and Consultancy, and Mr. Faisal Irshad Ganai, Deputy Registrar, NIT Srinagar. were Shri Iqbal Singh Sudan, Project Engineer and Estate Officer, IIM Jammu graced the MoU Signing ceremony.

The partnership brings together two Institutes of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, with a shared commitment towards advancing the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and contributing to the educational, technological, entrepreneurial, and socioeconomic development of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh and the region at large. Under the MoU, the two institutions will collaborate in diverse areas including joint academic and research initiatives, consultancy projects, faculty and student exchanges, executive education programmes, management development programmes, collaborative publications, case study development, boot camps, immersion programmes, innovation and incubation support, entrepreneurship promotion, faculty development initiatives, and the sharing of academic infrastructure and institutional resources.

A major highlight of the collaboration is the intent to jointly strengthen the innovation and startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir by leveraging IIM Jammu's expertise in management, strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development alongside NIT Srinagar's strengths in engineering, technology, applied sciences, and innovation. The institutions will also explore opportunities for interdisciplinary learning pathways, collaborative degree programmes, and future joint academic offerings aligned with the vision of NEP 2020.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, stated that this strategic partnership reflects the shared aspiration of both institutions to create meaningful academic and societal impact through collaboration. He emphasized that the convergence of management and technology is essential for addressing contemporary challenges and nurturing future-ready leaders. He further noted that the MoU would serve as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, research excellence, and capacity building, while contributing significantly to the socioeconomic development of the U.T of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as a vibrant knowledge and innovation hub.

Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, Dean Research and Consultancy, NIT Srinagar mentioned that the collaboration marks the beginning of a transformative journey between two premier institutions committed to excellence. He observed that the partnership would create new opportunities for interdisciplinary research, technology-enabled innovation, industry engagement, and academic enrichment. He expressed confidence that the collective strengths of both institutions would help develop impactful solutions to emerging societal and industrial challenges while empowering students and faculty to excel in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The joint collaboration also envisions joint conferences, seminars, workshops, training programmes, and executive education initiatives for professionals, government departments, public sector undertakings, and industry stakeholders. Through coordinated efforts in research, innovation, and capacity building, both institutions seek to strengthen academia-industry-government linkages and create greater opportunities for students, scholars, entrepreneurs, and practitioners.

As two premier institutions of national importance join hands, this partnership symbolizes a shared commitment to shaping future-ready leaders, fostering innovation-driven ecosystems, and advancing knowledge that creates meaningful societal impact. The collaboration between IIM Jammu and NIT Srinagar is poised to serve as a catalyst for transformative academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurial growth, and sustainable development, contributing significantly to the vision of a developed, self-reliant, and knowledge-driven India.