'Ganpat University is Equipping Students for the Job of Tomorrow': Dr Mahendra Sharma , Group Pro Chancellor, Ganpat University

In an exclusive conversation with APAC Media & CXO Media, Dr Mahendra Sharma, Group Pro Chancellor, Ganpat University outlines the digital initiatives undertaken and how technology is playing a key role in every facet of the university, making students ready for future industry trends.

What are the digital initiatives undertaken at Ganpat University?

Ganpat University is fully aligned with the Digital India mission and the objectives of NEP 2020, driving a transformative journey through comprehensive digitalisation:

– Digital Ecosystem for Learning: Our robust LMS supports blended learning, online examinations, and virtual labs, transforming the learner experience.
– Academic Record Digitisation: In sync with the government’s digital initiatives, we have integrated DigiLocker, making transcripts from 2015 onwards securely accessible online.
– AI and Emerging Tech Infrastructure: Our IBM Lab, SAS Analytics Lab, and TCS CoE focus on immersive training in AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity.
– Supercomputer Access: Ganpat University now hosts a Supercomputer in collaboration with PRL, facilitating advanced research in computational sciences.
– 5G Research License: Received from the Department of Telecommunications, this positions the University at the forefront of communication technologies and Iot-based applications.
– Microsoft Education Cloud License: We have adopted Microsoft Education Cloud across the campus, empowering both faculty and students with cutting-edge tools for collaboration, content creation, and immersive learning in Microsoft technologies.
– EDA Software Tools: To support advanced learning in electronics and semiconductor design, we hold institutional licenses for premier Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, including Mentor Graphics, Synopsys, and Cadence, equipping students with real-world skills used by the global VLSI industry.
– EC-Council Programs: In alignment with the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, we have introduced certified training programs in collaboration with EC-Council, enabling students to pursue industry-recognised credentials in ethical hacking, network defence, and information security.

How are the different stakeholders, including faculty and students, involved in these digital initiatives?

We ensure a collaborative digital transformation where all stakeholders are co-creators:

– Faculty Empowerment: Through continuous digital pedagogy training, exposure to international practices, and project-based learning models, our faculty evolves as facilitators of future-ready education.
– Student-Centric Innovation: Students are deeply engaged in hackathons, AI model building, industry internships, and startup incubation. Events like IBM Day and SAS Analytics Fest provide them with platforms to demonstrate industry-aligned competencies.
– Institutional Innovation Council (IIC): Rated 4.0 by the Ministry of Education, our IIC empowers a culture of design thinking, entrepreneurship, and patentable research.

How is Ganpat University focusing on industry-ready degree programs with different specialisations?

Ganpat University’s programs are a blueprint for Industry 4.0 readiness:

– Co-created Curriculum: B.Tech in Cloud Applications, Big Data, AI, and Cybersecurity (with IBM), MBA in Business Analytics (with SAS), and B.Tech in CSBS (with TCS) are developed with industry leaders.
– Smart Manufacturing & Industrial IoT: A new Centre of Excellence in this domain will support India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions.
– Gamification and Creative Industries: A proposed Centre for Animation, Gaming, Videos, and Comics will blend storytelling with tech, meeting the growing demand in digital media and entertainment.
– Quantum Technologies: With a visionary eye on the future, we are establishing a Centre of Excellence in Quantum Technologies, pushing boundaries in computing and secure communication.
– Apprenticeship Embedded Degrees: Collaborating with sectoral skill councils ensures students graduate with job-ready competencies.

How is the collaboration with the industry for Ganpat University in terms of these courses?

Our model is built on strategic academic-industry integration:

– Bosch Rexroth Centre for Automation Technologies: Offers real-time automation training and innovation in manufacturing processes.
– Japan India Institute for Manufacturing (JIIM): A model centre for imparting Japanese work culture and technical skills, contributing to Indo-Japan industrial excellence.
– Industry-Sponsored Labs and Faculty: Courses are delivered in part by industry professionals, creating an ecosystem of real-world engagement and mentorship.
– Global Partnerships: Ganpat University has collaborations with leading international universities in Japan, Europe, and North America for student exchange, dual degrees, and joint research projects.

How are the different centres for additive manufacturing, electronics, petrochemical, bakery, sports, among others, running at the University?

These centres reflect GUNI’s vision for holistic, multidisciplinary education:

– Centre for Additive Manufacturing: Supports R&D in 3D printing, serving industrial design and rapid prototyping needs.
– Petrochemical and VLSI Labs: Backed by industry leaders, they are pushing innovation in energy, chemical engineering, and semiconductors.
– Artisan Training Centre & Food Technology Labs: Empower students and rural entrepreneurs through skill-based education.
– Sports Science & Infrastructure: Hosting national-level athletes and events, our sports ecosystem is integrated with physical education programs and sports analytics research.

How is Ganpat University leveraging AI and other new-gen technologies to enhance communication and creativity within the industry?

Our use of AI, 5G, Supercomputing, and IoT ensures we are not just teaching technology — we are co-creating the future with it:

– AI in Agriculture: Our M.Sc. in Agri Analytics with SAS uses AI models to predict crop yield, optimise water usage, and inform agronomic decisions, addressing food security challenges.
– Startups in Next-Gen Tech: Through our University Incubator, we support innovations in HealthTech, FinTech, EdTech, AgriTech, and BioTech, with mentorship, seed funding, and lab access.
– Collaborative Research Ecosystem: Our linkages with ISRO, PRL, and national R&D bodies amplify our capacity to drive deep-tech research across AI, quantum computing, and space technology.
Ganpat University, under my stewardship, is not just preparing students for today’s jobs but equipping them to create the jobs of tomorrow. Every initiative — from quantum labs to bakery training, from DigiLocker adoption to 5G research — reflects our commitment to national priorities, technological empowerment, and a learner-centric, industry-integrated future.