IIT Ropar, iDG10 Solutions Sign MoU to Launch India’s 1st Subsea Pipeline Design Training & Consultancy Programme
New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) has entered into a significant partnership with iDG10 Solutions Private Limited by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India’s first industry-anchored training, validation, and consultancy programme in Subsea Pipeline Design Technology. This collaboration is poised to enhance domestic capabilities in a critical field essential for the development of India’s offshore and energy infrastructure.
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 of Continuing Education and Outreach, and Prof. Dhiraj K. Mahajan, who will oversee the initiative from IIT Ropar.
This partnership, which will span 60 months, aims to utilize IIT Ropar’s academic and research expertise along with iDG10’s proprietary Subsea Pipeline Design Tool (SPDT) software. The goal is to offer world-class training, tool validation, consultancy, and student capstone projects entirely within India, thereby reducing reliance on international providers for specialized education and services.
Key Highlights of the Collaboration
- Software Licensing: iDG10 will provide educational and validation licenses of its SPDT and related software tools to IIT Ropar for student and research purposes.
- Industry-Ready Training: A flagship Subsea Pipeline Design course will include five days of classroom learning at IIT Ropar, followed by a 21-day live project using SPDT for hands-on design experience.
- Capstone & Research Projects: Students will have access to SPDT for real-world projects, with top performers receiving extended technical support and tool access.
- Joint Consultancy: IIT Ropar and iDG10 will provide joint consultancy services to various sectors, including Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater, Hydrogen transport, District heating and cooling, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCTSU), Mining, and Thermal power infrastructure.
Goals of the Initiative
This initiative is designed to localize advanced offshore engineering skills, enhance employability, and provide industry access to affordable, high-quality consultancy services that align with global standards. Additionally, it aims to contribute to India’s technology self-reliance in energy transition domains, such as hydrogen and carbon capture.
Statements from the Leaders
Commenting on the collaboration, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja stated, “The MoU marks an important 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 expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “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.”
Programme Structure and Eligibility
The programme will culminate in a joint certificate issued by IIT Ropar and iDG10 Solutions upon completion. The top five candidates will receive three months of support for using SPDT. Eligible participants include final-year B.Tech/M.Tech students in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, as well as professionals working in the Oil & Gas, offshore, marine, and related sectors.
Conclusion
This MoU strengthens IIT Ropar’s commitment to industry collaboration, applied research, and technology translation in support of India’s infrastructure and energy goals. The partnership is expected to create a significant impact on the training and consultancy landscape for subsea pipeline design in India.
Note: This article is based on information available as of November 2025.
