Industry-Academia Push as Adani Unveils New Initiatives at IIT(ISM) Centenary Event
On December 9, 2025, the Adani Group launched two significant initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between industry and academia during the centenary celebrations of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT(ISM)). These initiatives are designed to enhance the educational experience of students and align their skills with industry needs.
New Initiatives Announced
The first initiative is the introduction of 50 paid internships annually for IIT(ISM) students. This program is designed to provide practical experience and exposure to real-world challenges in the mining and energy sectors. Notably, at least 25% of the selected interns will be offered pre-placement employment, giving students a valuable opportunity to secure jobs before graduation.
The second initiative involves the establishment of a 3S Mining Excellence Centre on the IIT(ISM) campus. This centre will focus on three key areas: sustainable, smart, and safe mining. It aims to promote applied research, innovation, and industry collaboration while deploying new technologies in the mining sector.
Support for Student Innovations
As part of the new initiatives, selected student innovations that emerge from campus-wide hackathons will receive funding, mentorship, and access to live mining operations for testing and validation. This support is intended to encourage creativity and practical problem-solving among students, fostering a culture of innovation.
Addressing the Students: Gautam Adani’s Vision
During the event, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, addressed the students and faculty, framing India’s current development phase as a “second freedom struggle.” He emphasized the importance of energy and resource independence, stating that control over minerals and energy is crucial for a nation’s sovereignty and economic stability.
Global Trade Dynamics
Adani pointed out that the era of stable global trade and supply chains is diminishing, with nations increasingly prioritizing self-preservation and strategic control over critical resources. He highlighted that the control of minerals and energy resources is now a significant determinant of a nation’s global standing.
IIT(ISM)’s Role in India’s Future
Referring to IIT(ISM)’s 100-year legacy, Adani underscored the institute’s crucial role in shaping India’s future in mining, metallurgy, earth sciences, and energy. He urged students to view their future roles as integral to national development, strategic security, and sustainable growth.
India’s Clean Energy Progress
Adani also discussed India’s progress in clean energy, mentioning a renewable energy park being developed in Gujarat, which spans 520 square kilometers. Upon completion by 2030, this project is expected to generate 30 gigawatts of power, enough to supply electricity to nearly 60 million households. He noted that India has already achieved nearly 50% of its installed power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, surpassing global targets set by the Paris Agreement.
The Importance of Minerals in Technology
Drawing a direct connection between mining and advanced technology, Adani explained the critical role of various minerals. He stated that:
- Lithium is essential for batteries.
- Rare earth elements power wind turbines and electric motors.
- Copper is vital for power transmission.
- Silicon enables solar power generation.
- Uranium supports base-load electricity for net-zero ambitions.
He emphasized that every artificial intelligence system, data center, and digital network relies on minerals extracted from the earth.
Climate Narrative and Development Pressure
Adani also addressed what he described as a biased global climate narrative that places disproportionate pressure on developing nations. He pointed out that while India is the world’s third-largest electricity consumer in absolute terms, its per capita consumption remains significantly lower than that of developed countries. He highlighted that India’s historical contribution to cumulative global carbon emissions stands at about 4%, compared to much higher shares from the United States, Europe, and China.
Challenges in Resource Acquisition
Referring to the Carmichael coal mine project in Australia, Adani noted the sustained protests, legal challenges, and international financial pressure the project faced. However, he asserted that the project was necessary to secure high-grade coal supplies for India’s industrial growth, which now supports cleaner energy production in India and provides livelihoods in Australia.
Reclaiming Technological Leadership
Invoking India’s ancient knowledge traditions, Adani referenced Nalanda as a symbol of the country’s intellectual strength. He argued that colonial-era education had weakened indigenous knowledge systems, and reclaiming technological and intellectual leadership is essential for true national independence.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Students
In his concluding remarks, Adani urged students to see their future roles as part of a national mission. He emphasized that mining is not merely about resource extraction but is also about strengthening national dignity, sovereignty, and self-reliance. He called upon the students to contribute towards building a strong, independent, and technologically advanced India.
Note: The initiatives announced by the Adani Group at IIT(ISM) reflect a growing trend of collaboration between industry and academia, aimed at addressing the challenges of modern resource management and technological advancement.
