IIT Ropar & iDG10 Solutions Inks MoU for Subsea Pipeline Design Training and Consultancy
Chandigarh (05.11.2025): The Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (IIT Ropar) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with iDG10 Solutions Private Limited to establish a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing capabilities in subsea pipeline design technology. This partnership is set to leverage IIT Ropar’s academic expertise alongside iDG10’s proprietary software, the Subsea Pipeline Design Tool (SPDT).
Details of the MoU
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 coordinate the activities from the IIT Ropar side.
Objectives of the Partnership
This 60-month partnership aims to create a robust India-based capability that encompasses:
- World-class subsea pipeline design training
- Hands-on tool validation
- Industry-facing consultancy
- Capstone projects for students
By doing so, the collaboration seeks to significantly reduce reliance on overseas providers for specialized training and to build local capacity to support India’s growing offshore and energy infrastructure programs.
Significance of the Collaboration
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja expressed the importance of this MoU, stating, “This marks a significant step toward building home-grown capability in a highly specialized and strategic area of offshore engineering. Our students and researchers will gain practical, tool-based experience that directly addresses industry needs and national infrastructure priorities.”
Silvi Francis Farnand added, “We are excited to partner with IIT Ropar to bring SPDT-driven education and consultancy to India’s engineers. This collaboration will help bridge the gap and enable faster, safer, and more cost-effective subsea pipeline projects.”
Key Highlights of the Collaboration
The collaboration includes several key initiatives:
1. Software Licensing for Education & Validation
iDG10 Solutions will provide short-term and student licenses for its SPDT and related proprietary tools to IIT Ropar. This will facilitate validation, testing, and teaching by students, researchers, and faculty.
2. Industry-Ready Training Program
A flagship Subsea Pipeline Design course will be jointly delivered. This program will consist of:
- 5 days of classroom teaching (in-person at IIT Ropar)
- A 21-day live project (online) where participants will utilize SPDT for end-to-end pipeline design
3. Capstone & Research Opportunities
iDG10 will offer Capstone projects specifically for BTech and MTech students. Top-performing candidates will gain further access to the SPDT tool and receive technical support. Each participant in the live project will also receive a 21-day trial of the SPDT for hands-on experience.
4. Joint Consultancy Services
Both IIT Ropar and iDG10 Solutions will collaborate to provide consultancy services to the Oil & Gas sector and other infrastructure domains. This will combine academic research capabilities with industrial software expertise.
Sectors Covered by the Collaboration
The partnership will extend its consultancy services to various sectors, including:
- Oil & Gas (offshore)
- Water & Wastewater infrastructure
- Hydrogen transportation
- District heating & cooling networks
- Carbon Capture transport/storage/utilization (CCTSU)
- Mining & slurry transport
- Thermal power plant cooling systems
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIT Ropar and iDG10 Solutions represents a significant advancement in the field of subsea pipeline design education and consultancy in India. By harnessing local resources and expertise, this partnership aims to meet the growing demands of the offshore and energy sectors effectively.
Note: This article is based on the latest developments as of November 2025.
