Mumbai: Schneider Electric has partnered with the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on Smart City and Smart Factory technologies at the university’s Vellore campus.
The initiative is aimed at boosting research, innovation and skill development in sectors that are central to India’s digital and sustainable growth.
The new centre will train the first batch of 1,100 students, with plans to expand significantly in the coming years. The collaboration has been in the works for more than three years. VIT is also the first Indian university to be empanelled as a Schneider Electric Priority Campus globally, a distinction shared by only two other institutions in the country.
Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO of Schneider Electric India, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to preparing young engineers for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“As technology continues to redefine how we live and work, it is imperative to equip young talent with the right skills, mindset and exposure to lead this transformation. The Centre of Excellence will act as a vibrant platform where ideas evolve into real-world applications, driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the smart cities and industries of the future,” Sharma said.
VIT, ranked among India’s top 20 universities and home to more than 45,000 students, will support the initiative through its strong academic and research ecosystem. The CoE will serve as a collaborative space where students, faculty and Schneider Electric experts work together on real-world projects, prototype development and curriculum integration, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.
The partnership aims to accelerate India’s progress toward next-generation infrastructure by nurturing talent capable of building smart, efficient and sustainable systems.
