MIT ADT University partners with Bentley Systems, launches Centre of Excellence for digital infrastructure innovation

Pune(thestates.news) : In a significant push towards strengthening digital infrastructure education and industry-oriented engineering training, MIT Art, Design and Technology University (MIT ADT), Pune, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bentley Systems and inaugurated a dedicated Centre of Excellence for Infrastructure Innovation on its campus.The initiative, launched through the university’s Department of Civil Engineering under the School of Engineering and Sciences, is aimed at advancing digital infrastructure education, smart construction technologies and sustainable engineering practices.The partnership was formalised in the presence of Kamalakannan Thiruvadi, Regional Executive – South Asia, Bentley Systems, who attended the event as chief guest. Other senior Bentley officials present included Harsh Nagpal, Director – Education, Asia; Monica Jedhe, Senior Program Manager – Education; and Parmarth Saini, Education Success Consultant.The programme began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, Saraswati Poojan and World Peace Prayer.Welcoming the guests, Dr Ramchandra Pujeri, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MIT ADT University, underscored the importance of academia-industry collaboration in modern engineering education, particularly in equipping students with practical exposure to rapidly evolving infrastructure technologies.A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Infrastructure Innovation and the Bentley Student Club, both of which are expected to serve as platforms for advanced technical learning and applied research in digital infrastructure engineering.According to university officials, the centre will provide students and researchers access to more than 65 industry-leading software solutions, along with global certification programmes and specialised technical training modules.Addressing the gathering, Bentley representatives emphasised that stronger partnerships between academia and industry are essential to preparing engineers for the digital future of infrastructure development.In his keynote address, Kamalakannan Thiruvadi said the global infrastructure sector is increasingly relying on intelligent, software-driven systems to enable sustainable development and resilient urban growth.Under the MoU, MIT ADT University and Bentley Systems will collaborate on research initiatives, technical workshops, certification programmes, training modules and knowledge exchange platforms, enabling students to gain hands-on exposure to globally adopted digital infrastructure technologies.Delivering the presidential address, Dr Sunita Karad, Executive Director, MIT ADT University, reiterated the institution’s commitment to innovation-led education and robust industry engagement.Calling the initiative a transformational step, Dr Mangesh Karad, Executive President and Pro-Chancellor, MIT ADT University, said, “The establishment of this Centre of Excellence with Bentley Systems is a transformative milestone for MIT ADT University. By integrating over 65 world-class digital infrastructure tools into our academic ecosystem, we are directly empowering our students to become global innovators and leaders in sustainable engineering.”Echoing the sentiment, Kamalakannan Thiruvadi said, “The next generation of infrastructure leaders are digital natives, but they need the professional focus to apply those skills at scale. Through our partnership with MIT ADT University, we combine industry expertise with academic excellence to ensure graduates are prepared to lead infrastructure’s digital transformation.”The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Yuvaraj Bhirud, Professor and Head, Department of Civil Engineering, followed by the national anthem and a group photograph.University officials said the initiative marks another milestone in MIT ADT’s efforts to strengthen academia-industry collaboration and position its civil engineering students at the forefront of infrastructure innovation.