Guwahati: In a step aimed at reinforcing India’s expanding space technology ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has entered into a partnership with Skyroot Aerospace, a prominent private launch services company.
The collaboration is expected to open new avenues for students and researchers in aerospace innovation, satellite launch systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Sumana Dutta, Dean of Alumni and External Relations at IIT Guwahati, and Ashwin Mahavadi, Senior Vice President at Skyroot Aerospace, in the presence of Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati. The agreement will remain in force for an initial period of five years.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will jointly pursue funded research and development projects aligned with India’s strategic priorities in space technology.
A key focus area will be the development of advanced space-grade components using additive manufacturing techniques. This includes Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technologies such as Wire Arc DED and Laser Powder DED, which are increasingly being adopted for next-generation aerospace applications.
The partnership will also offer students practical exposure to real-world space missions. Researchers from IIT Guwahati may have opportunities to test subsidised research payloads aboard Skyroot’s Vikram-series launch vehicles, enabling hands-on experience in satellite development, launch operations, and aerospace engineering.
In addition, the collaboration will facilitate internships, thesis projects, joint research initiatives, and industry-oriented training programmes.
Commenting on the initiative, Devendra Jalihal said the institute values partnerships with innovation-driven startups such as Skyroot Aerospace, which are contributing to the evolution of India’s space sector. He noted that the collaboration would support advanced research, enhance student training, and promote technology development aligned with national priorities, while encouraging indigenous high-technology enterprises.
Ashwin Mahavadi highlighted IIT Guwahati’s expertise in metal additive manufacturing research, stating that the partnership would help translate laboratory-scale innovations into production-ready space solutions. He added that the collaboration would also play a role in nurturing the next generation of space engineers.
The agreement further envisages the exploration of joint undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in space and aerospace technologies. It also includes opportunities for Skyroot employees to pursue higher education and specialised training at IIT Guwahati.