Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Anna University, Chennai, to enhance student employability in the design and make industries through courses designed to promote applied learning and specializations in digital manufacturing and generative design.
The MoU was signed by Conway Kang Wei Goh, Autodesk Education Experiences, Director APAC, and Dr. J Prakash, Registrar, Anna University in the presence of Dr. Govi Chezhiaan, Honor'ble Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Samayamoorthy, IAS, Secretary to Government, Tmt. J. Innocent Divya, IAS, Commissioner of Technical Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M P Vijay Kumar, IAS, Vice Chairman, Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education, Dr. USA, Professor. Electrical engineering and member, convener committee, Anna university, Dr.K.Shanmuga Sundaram, Director, Centre for University-Industry Collaboration (CUIC), Anna University, Chennai and other representatives from both the institutions at the university’s main campus in Guindy, Chennai.
As part of the collaboration, Autodesk and Anna University are setting up a Design and Innovation Centre at the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG). This facility aims to provide students access to Autodesk’s advanced cloud-based design and make platforms, enabling hands-on learning in areas such as digital manufacturing, CNC machining, and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
The partnership also includes faculty development programs, design competitions, and potential participation of Anna University’s executives in Autodesk’s global events, such as Autodesk University. Faculty members will be trained as master trainers and will lead digital manufacturing courses across the university’s constituent and affiliated colleges.
Conway Kang Wei Goh, Autodesk Education Experiences, Director APAC said, "Our alliance with Anna University is not just a collaboration, it is a call to action to empower the next generation of engineers and innovators to accelerate India’s economic growth. By integrating Autodesk’s cutting-edge design and make technology into the curriculum, we are not only providing students access to next-generation skills but also enabling them to take the lead in a digitally transformed world and meet the rapidly evolving demands of the design and make industries.”
Dr. J. Prakash, Registrar, Anna University, added, "This strategic partnership with Autodesk is a critical next step in our vision to reimagine technical education. By providing direct access to innovative tools and global industry practices to our faculty and students, we are building a strong system that fosters innovation, increases employability, and equips our graduates to succeed in tomorrow’s industries."
The MoU outlines a roadmap for integrating Autodesk’s advanced design and make platforms into academic curricula, fostering research-driven learning, and providing students with practical exposure to real-world challenges. Through curriculum enhancement, hands-on training for students and faculty, and immersive learning initiatives, the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic instruction and industry needs. This partnership reflects Autodesk’s commitment to making industry-relevant education more accessible across India’s higher education ecosystem.
