In a significant step towards strengthening industry–academia collaboration and advancing industry-oriented engineering education, Ramdeobaba University (RBU), Nagpur, has partnered with Bajaj Auto Foundation to establish a state-of-the-art Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre at the University. The Centre will equip engineering students with specialised, hands-on training in emerging technology domains and industry-relevant applications.

BEST is the flagship CSR initiative of Bajaj Auto Foundation, the C.S.R. arm of Bajaj Auto Ltd. The program is designed to establish advanced training centres in partnership with leading universities and engineering institutions, and the course has been crafted by senior leaders and expert engineers at Bajaj Auto Ltd. The initiative aims to bridge the industry–academia skill gap by providing young engineers with industry-grade equipment, practical training and contemporary technical skills, thereby enhancing their employability and preparing them for the evolving requirements of the technology and manufacturing sectors.

The BEST Centre at RBU will focus on two key technology areas — Electronics Manufacturing Systems (EMS) and Firmware Development (FD) — providing students with practical exposure to contemporary technologies, processes, equipment and applications relevant to the electronics and embedded technology ecosystem.

Under the EMS vertical, students will receive hands-on exposure to electronics manufacturing processes, systems, equipment, State of the art Functional testing equipments from Switzerland which are to Industrial as well as International standards and related technologies. The FD vertical will focus on firmware and embedded-system development, programming, hardware–software integration, testing and related applications. The programme will combine classroom learning, laboratory training and practical applications to create an experiential learning environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, Padma Shri awardee and Chairman, Shri Ramdeobaba Sarvajanik Samiti (SRSS), emphasised the rapidly evolving role of technology and the need to equip students with relevant infrastructure, training and competencies. He expressed his gratitude to Bajaj Auto Foundation for the valuable partnership and highlighted the importance of preparing students for future technologies and industry requirements. He stressed that the facilities and resources must be utilised effectively to develop competent professionals who can contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. He assured that the support received would be utilised responsibly for student development.

Mr. Ramesh V., Head – Skilling; Ms. Vidhyaa Lakshmi S., Manager (CSR); and Dr. Nirbhay Sonkusale, Management Trainee (CSR), representatives of Bajaj Auto Foundation ., participated in the MoU signing ceremony and deliberations concerning the establishment of the BEST Centre at RBU. The representatives highlighted that the collaboration will facilitate industry-aligned, experiential learning and practical skill development, enabling engineering students to acquire contemporary technical competencies and gain exposure to evolving industry practices, thereby strengthening their preparedness for future employment opportunities.

The MoU was formalised by Dr.Rajesh Pande, Vice Chancellor on behalf of RBU and by Mr. Ramesh V, on behalf of Bajaj Auto Foundation in the presence of Satyanarayan Nuwal,; Rajendra Purohit, General Secretary (SRSS), Mr.Ajay Patni, Mr.Karan Patni, Dr.Rajiv Khaire, Dr.Jayu Kalambe, Dr. Pallavi Parlewar, Directors, Deans and faculty members of RBU.