Big Push for Offshore Engineering: IIT Ropar Collaborates with iDG10 for Subsea Pipeline Design Programme
In a significant development for India’s offshore and energy infrastructure capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (IIT Ropar) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with iDG10 Solutions Private Limited. This collaboration aims to establish a long-term partnership focused on subsea pipeline design technology, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing India’s engineering landscape.
Details of the Collaboration
The MoU was signed by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, and Silvi Francis Farnand, A&P Director and Co-founder of iDG10 Solutions Pvt. Ltd. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Sarang Gumfekar, Associate Dean for Continuing Education and Outreach, and Prof. Dhiraj K. Mahajan, who will oversee the activities from IIT Ropar’s side.
This partnership is set to last for 60 months and aims to build capabilities in subsea pipeline design within India. The collaboration will focus on:
- Validation and testing of subsea pipeline design tools.
- Training programs for students and professionals.
- Joint consultancy services for various industries.
Goals of the Partnership
The IIT Ropar and iDG10 collaboration aims to significantly reduce India’s dependence on foreign providers in the field of subsea pipeline design. By nurturing local talent and providing world-class training, the partnership seeks to:
- Build a skilled workforce capable of addressing industry needs.
- Enhance national infrastructure capabilities.
- Support India’s energy transition and sustainability goals.
Key Highlights of the Collaboration
The partnership will introduce several key initiatives:
- Software Licensing for Education and Validation: iDG10 will provide short-term and student licenses for its proprietary Subsea Pipeline Design Tool (SPDT) to IIT Ropar for validation, testing, and educational purposes.
- Industry-Ready Training Programme: A flagship Subsea Pipeline Design course will be offered, which includes five days of in-person classroom instruction at IIT Ropar, followed by a 21-day live project where participants will design pipelines using SPDT.
- Capstone and Research Opportunities: iDG10 will offer Capstone projects for BTech and MTech students. Exceptional participants will gain extended access to SPDT and receive technical mentorship, providing them with real-world exposure.
- Joint Consultancy Services: Both institutions will collaborate to provide consultancy services to sectors such as Oil & Gas, Water, Hydrogen, and Infrastructure, merging IIT Ropar’s academic research with iDG10’s industrial software expertise.
Sectors Covered Under the Partnership
The collaboration will span various critical sectors, including:
- Offshore Oil & Gas
- Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
- Hydrogen Transportation
- District Heating & Cooling Networks
- Carbon Capture, Transport, Storage & Utilization (CCTSU)
- Mining and Slurry Transport
- Thermal Power Plant Cooling Systems
Why This Partnership is a Game-Changer
Historically, specialized training and validation for subsea pipeline design have been primarily available through international institutions. The collaboration between IIT Ropar and iDG10 aims to localize advanced skills, thereby strengthening India’s offshore engineering base. The benefits of this partnership include:
- Development of an Indian talent pool skilled in subsea pipeline design and analysis.
- Access to globally benchmarked tools like SPDT for hands-on training.
- Provision of affordable, India-based consultancy and training for the industry.
- Support for India’s energy transition and critical infrastructure development, particularly in hydrogen transport and carbon capture.
About IIT Ropar
Established in 2008 in Rupnagar, Punjab, the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) is a premier institution dedicated to higher education and research in engineering, science, and technology. The institute actively promotes industry-facing research, innovation, and technology translation through its R&D centers, Technology Business Incubator (TBI), and national collaborations. IIT Ropar is committed to building applied capabilities that support India’s infrastructure, energy, and innovation goals.
Note: This collaboration represents a significant advancement in India’s offshore engineering capabilities, fostering local expertise and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
