Mysore/Mysuru: In a significant step towards strengthening industry-academia collaboration, JSS Science and Technology University (JSS STU), Mysuru, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bajaj Auto Ltd., Pune, to establish a Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre of Excellence (CoE) on the JSS STU Mysuru campus.

 BEST is the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Bajaj Auto Ltd., focused on bridging the gap between academic education and industry expectations through hands-on, industry-aligned engineering skill development.

The proposed Centre of Excellence will be equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced infrastructure and industry-grade equipment, with curricula jointly designed by JSS STU faculty and Senior Engineers from Bajaj.

 The Centre will emphasise experiential learning through real-time industrial exposure, expert lectures, mentoring and project-based training. Special focus will also be placed on supporting students from socially and economically weaker sections by providing access to sustainable skill-building pathways and employment opportunities.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony recently, Dr. C.G. Betsurmath, Executive Secretary, JSS Mahavidyapeetha, said the collaboration would play a transformative role in enhancing students’ practical skills and industry readiness, in line with the institution’s mission of empowering youth with future-centric competencies.

Prof. Suresh, Director of Technical Education, JSS STU, reaffirmed the University’s long-term commitment to industry-driven skill development and stated that JSS STU would extend full support not only for establishing the BEST Centre, but also for setting up additional Centres of Excellence and Skill Hubs in the future for the benefit of students from all JSS Group of institutions as well.

 Addressing the gathering, Ravi Kyran Ramasamy, Chief Human Resource Officer of Bajaj Auto Ltd., highlighted his long-standing association with JSS STU and noted that the University’s strong value system, discipline and outcome-oriented learning closely align with Bajaj Auto’s ethos of integrity, excellence and inclusive growth.

Sudhakar Gudipati, Vice President, CSR, Bajaj Auto Ltd., along with Vice-Chancellor Santhosh Kumar, Registrar S. A. Dhanaraj, Principal C. Nataraju and other dignitaries were present.