University- Industry relations are a vital component for the students of professional studies and higher education. Shivaji University Kolhapur recognizes the importance of industry relations, and in order to have enduring linkage, University has set up University Industry Interaction Cell (UIIC). 

The University Industry Interaction Cell (UIIC) of Shivaji University Kolhapur provides a common platform to the University and the industries in Kolhapur region. The aim of this platform is to join hands considering all the Stakeholders such as; Institutions, Industry, Students and Society, who all stand to gain in this win-win partnership. 

The Cell is committed to work as a catalyst for promoting the interaction between university domain and industry professionals through mutual co-operation amongst teachers, scientists, researchers and the practicing industries to fill the gap between knowledge creation and its application. The collaboration between University and Industry is crucial for skill development through education and /or training, the generation, acquisition, as well as adoption of knowledge through innovation or technology transfer, and the promotion of entrepreneurship through start-ups or spin offs. 

The synergy of industry partnership will empower the University to upgrade the pedagogy, reorient the focus of topics, and conduct additional seminars/conferences on emerging and in-demand topics.

In line with the stated aim and objectives, the institute has decided to join the hands with Industry. The partnership would build up for mutual benefits when a strategic relationship is developed among the two parties. The ultimate aim of this partnership will be the creation of confidence in industry by the institute which would result industries involving voluntarily the institute at various stages of its development.

For the development of such strategic relationship, following activities have been identified 

•    Updating Curriculum as per needs of industry through active involvement of industry experts
•    Exchange of Experts between the Institute and Industry 
•    Involvement of Teaching Staff in Industry- ( Consultancy, Problem Solving Research ) 
•    Institute as a Consultant in R&D 
•    Sharing Technological Database 
•    Conducting Continuing Education Program 
•    Establishment of Linkages
•    Internships, On Job Training, Industry based Projects of students
 

Message from VC……
The fast faced technological developments in Industry have made University Industry Collaboration all the more important.  Unless Academy interacts with Industry regularly the gap between the technology as in Academy and Industry is going to widen much more making the curriculum that is taught in Universities and Colleges irrelevant and obsolete.

University Industry Collaboration will help both to share their expertise, resources, knowledge & skills. This will lead to University faculty and students take up and solve industry based problems, carry out Industry sponsored research, take up industry sponsored projects, Utilize resources in Knowledge centre, provide much required up gradation of knowledge by conduct of MDP’s, EDP’s, workshops etc.  While the students from University will be able to update learn the latest Technology, enhance their skills, carry out On Job Training, Internships and Apprenticeship in industries to become employable and be industry ready.

I am Confident that with positive response from both University and Industry the University Industry Interaction Cell of Shivaji University Kolhapur will be able to help resolve many problems from either side.

Message from Pro-VC…..
With advent of game changing technologies like AI, Machine Learning, IOT, IIOT, Big data and advent of the 4th Industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and the 5th Industrial revolution (Industry 5.0) almost on the verge of getting implemented, it has become necessary that the Academia learns these technologies so as to become relevant to the needs of Industry.

A common platform where both University and Industry can come together, understand each other and help resolve the problems is provided by University Industry Interaction Cell. The interactions will lead to outcomes which will benefit both. 

Industry sponsored research will lead to enhancing useful publications, IPR’s and technology transfer which is the need of the hour. I am Confident that the UIIC will be able to deliver the needs and requirements of both the communities.
 

Message from Director UIIC
The UIIC of Shivaji University Kolhapur has made elaborate plans for enhancing the Interaction between the University and Industry. Collaborations by signing MoU’s in thrust areas of the University with Industries and Industrial Associations are planned to be enhanced so that the Cell becomes Vibrant. Each Department has been asked to identify their thrust area so that appropriate Industry can be collaborated with. 

Interactions with experts from Industry for students from all the Departments have been planned over the next two years so that the students and Faculty from the University are able to understand the needs of the Industry, the current technology being used in industry, skills required for enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial qualities. Industry based research, projects, Internships, On Job Training will be enhanced by enhancing association with industry in coming days.