Pondicherry University, Zoho Corporation sign pact for collaborative research

Pondicherry University and Zoho Corporation collaborate for research in material science and energy technology to boost rural innovation.

Pondicherry University and Zoho Corporation Private Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance collaborative research in material science and energy technology. 

The MoU was signed by the Registrar of the university R. Gunasekaran and CFO of Zoho Corporation J. Anand in the presence of Puducherry Home and Education Minister A. Namassivayam, Zoho Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu, and PU Vice Chancellor Prakash Babu. 

The university, in a release, said the partnership would help in rural innovation and high-tech research. The collaboration was aimed to build a robust talent pool, foster innovative product development, and create high-paying jobs in rural and semi-urban areas of the country, the release added.

“The partnership leverages PU’s academic excellence in material science and nanotechnology with Zoho’s commitment to long-term, high-risk research investments in advanced materials and energy storage systems,” it further said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sridhar said true self-reliance demands mastery in critical areas such as carbon fibre and advanced materials to cut foreign dependencies and royalty payments. He also stressed the need for creating high-paying world-class jobs beyond major cities to empower rural talent.