Motorola signs MoU with IIT Mumbai

Mobile handset maker Motorola has reportedly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai.

The communications equipment industry has tied up with IIT for a joint research in Next Generation telecommunication technologies.

Under the MoU, Motorola researchers will work with IIT Mumbai faculty to boost research and development (R&D) initiatives around the application of Gen-Next technologies. The wireless and broadband communication major Motorola asserts the association will help strengthen the company's R&D initiatives within the country.

Motorola, with nearly 3,500 engineers across six of its R&D centers in India, develops more than 40% of its total software requirement from its Global Software Group, Bangalore.

Motorola and IIT Mumbai are also in the process of jointly setting-up a council to enhance long-range research activity, besides training students of IIT Mumbai.

Earlier, Motorola has undertaken similar initiatives with premiere educational institutions including IIT Chennai, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore.

Firdose Vandrevala, chairman, Motorola India, and corporate vice president, Motorola, said that IIT Mumbai and Motorola are widely known for best-in-class talent and skills, and that the two have led technological change in their respective areas. Vandrevala said he asserts the partnership will be mutually fulfilling, and will enrich their vision and execution of seamless mobility.

Prof Ashok Misra, director, IIT Mumbai, said that the joint venture with Motorola will give IIT students exposure to real-life technical projects, and provide them with the right platform to harness their knowledge and skills.