Dr. Sachin Kore
Director Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute
VJTI collaborates extensively with industry and alumni
VJTI Mumbai, established in 1887 as the Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute, has been a trailblazer in India’s engineering education, research, and training landscape. Prior to Independence, VJTI played a crucial role in fostering industrial development across united India. Following Independence, it was instrumental in the establishment of prestigious institutions like the IITs and RECs, contributing significantly to the nation’s technological advancement. In 1997, VJTI underwent a name change to Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, in tribute to the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
During the recently held inauguration ceremony of the renovated facilities at the Department of Technical & Applied Chemistry, the institute’s Director Dr. Sachin Kore spoke to Fibre2Fashion about research and fostering entrepreneurial mindset among students.
How does VJTI plan to maintain its legacy while adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape?
VJTI will continue to uphold its legacy through high-quality student intake, excellent student output, and outstanding placement records. Many of our undergraduate students pursue higher education at reputed international universities, further strengthening our legacy.
How does VJTI plan to maintain its legacy while adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape?
VJTI will continue to uphold its legacy through high-quality student intake, excellent student output, and outstanding placement records. Many of our undergraduate students pursue higher education at reputed international universities, further strengthening our legacy.
What initiatives are being taken to enhance research output, particularly in AI, machine learning, and robotics?
VJTI has secured research funding of ₹5 crore from the Government of Maharashtra for AI research. Our faculty is actively working in this area. We offer open electives at both the undergraduate (IoT) and postgraduate levels (Artificial Neural Networks & Machine Learning). Additionally, multidisciplinary minors have been introduced, and new programmes have been initiated for working professionals in select disciplines.
How does VJTI collaborate with industry to prepare students for the modern workforce?
•We collaborate extensively with industry and alumni, arranging expert talks to expose students to industrial sustainable practices.
•Undergraduate students are offered a six-month internship, providing them with valuable industrial exposure.
•We receive CSR funding from industry partners to upgrade labs, enhance facilities, and support research.
How does VJTI contribute to national missions like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’?
VJTI is actively participating in the ‘Maharashtra Drone Mission’ as part of these national initiatives.
How do the newly renovated facilities at the Department of Technical & Applied Chemistry enhance research in areas like sustainable chemistry and advanced materials?
•These facilities are instrumental in advancing research in sustainable chemistry and advanced materials.
•Our current research focuses on natural resource materials, which have significant potential in medicinal chemistry and cosmetics.
•In sustainable chemistry, we focus on green solvent synthesis, atom economy, waste reduction, and toxicity minimisation, all in line with green chemistry principles.
•Research in advanced materials includes work on organic metallic frameworks (MOFs) for carbon capture, nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery, and polymeric membranes for green hydrogen production.
How will the updated facilities foster interdisciplinary research between departments, such as textile engineering?
The Chemistry Department collaborates with the Civil, Textile, and Mechanical Departments in areas such as effluent treatment, the development of flexible electrodes, and advanced materials. Additionally, students have the opportunity to develop skills in AI, machine learning, and molecular dynamics through open elective courses.
How important is interdisciplinary collaboration, and how should institutions prepare students for such roles?
Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial. Under the National Education Policy (NEP), VJTI has implemented interdisciplinary elective courses up to the second year of the undergraduate programme, diploma, and postgraduate programmes. These electives allow students to explore areas outside their core subjects and develop diverse skills.
How can institutions foster an entrepreneurial mindset to help students adapt to rapidly changing industry needs?
VJTI fosters an entrepreneurial mindset by offering open elective courses on entrepreneurship, such as ‘Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development’ at the undergraduate level and ‘Entrepreneurship & Development’ at the postgraduate level. Additionally, the active student-run E-Cell organises various initiatives to encourage entrepreneurial thinking and real-world application.
How does VJTI foster innovation and entrepreneurship within its curriculum?
Innovation and entrepreneurship are embedded in the curriculum through specialised open electives and hands-on activities led by the E-Cell. These initiatives provide students with the skills and opportunities to engage in entrepreneurial projects and innovative problem-solving.
Interviewer: Shilpi Panjabi
Published on: 25/10/2024
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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