Wentworth and NICMAR University from India Forge Partnership

On September 20 and 21, Wentworth Institute of Technology and the National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR) University from India hosted a Collaboration Summit to foster partnership and innovation between the two institutions through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). 

The two-day event brought together representatives from both institutions to discuss topics through sessions that includes institutional profiles and collaborative opportunities, academic exchange programs, research collaboration, industry partnerships and internships, curriculum development and innovation, and infrastructure and facilities. 

Located in Pune and Hyderabad, NICMAR University was established in 1982 and is known as a preeminent educator of the built environment. President and Chancellor Anil Kashyap and Chair of the Board of Governance Ajit Gulabchand visited Wentworth’s Boston campus for the Collaborative Summit. 

The event began with a welcome and opening remarks from John Cribbs, dean of the School of Management, followed by introductions of virtual and in-person attendees from both the institutions. 

Wentworth Professor Hariharan Naganathan and Dean Cribbs led all sessions throughout the event, along with insights on history of Wentworth from Construction Management Program Administrator Mike D'Agostino. Sessions concluded with an open forum for a collaborative conversation with the participants, which was led by Dean Cribbs and President Kashyap. 

Wentworth Professor Hariharan Naganathan additionally led an overview of objectives for the two institutions before an MoU was signed later in the day by President Kashyap and Wentworth President Mark A. Thompson. 

“We had a busy event with constructive conversations and sessions on how to establish a responsible built environment through education, research and academic exchange programs,” said Naganathan. “[We’re] looking forward to strategic implementations of different programs very soon!” 

The second day of the summit began with a session on industry partnerships and internships where Wentworth CM Industry Advisory board members detailed NICMAR dignitaries on their strategies in guiding the future workforce of the built environment.  

A session on curriculum development and innovation featured presentations on curriculum design and innovation strategies at both institutions, and a discussion also took place on incorporating emerging technologies, industry trends, and critical disciplines into the curriculum. 

The summit concluded with a recap of key discussion points and action items from the two-day meeting. Participants agreed on potential areas of collaboration and next steps, and set a timeline for follow-up meetings and continued communication.