NMDC Collaborates with IIT Kanpur to Boost Cybersecurity and Drive Digital Innovation
**NMDC and IIT Kanpur Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Academia-Industry Collaboration** In a noteworthy development aimed at strengthening ties between the academic sector and industry, India’s leading iron ore enterprise, NMDC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Announced on December 5, 2025, in Hyderabad, this collaboration aims to pioneer advancements in cybersecurity and accelerate the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) within NMDC’s operational framework.
An official Memorandum of Understanding was inked by Mr. Satyendra Rai, who serves as NMDC’s Executive Director for Digital Transformation, alongside Prof. Ashoke De, who holds the position of Dean of Research and Development at IIT Kanpur. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, alongside top executives from NMDC and other representatives from IIT Kanpur.
Key Focus Areas of the NMDC-IIT Kanpur Partnership
- Cybersecurity risk assessments to bolster digital defenses.
- Enhancing policy frameworks, governance, and compliance measures.
- Integrating and advancing AI and ML technologies for improved operations.
- Developing strategies for security operations and incident response.
- Building capacity and facilitating knowledge transfer between entities.
- Initiating joint research and promoting innovative solutions.
Moreover, the alliance will encompass the conduction of joint training programs, research initiatives, pilot projects, and the co-development of proof-of-concept solutions aimed at transforming NMDC’s technological infrastructure.
Shri Amitava Mukherjee, the CMD of NMDC, commented on the partnership, stating, “This MoU combines IIT Kanpur’s robust research capabilities with NMDC’s extensive operational network. It positions us to fortify our cybersecurity measures, enhance our operational intelligence, and establish a technologically advanced and secure foundation for the future.”
This strategic memorandum of understanding highlights NMDC’s commitment to adopting digital innovations and ensuring a resilient future in the mining sector through cutting-edge technology.
