Indo-German AI innovation lab launches at IIEST Shibpur for MSME growth

KOLKATA: IIEST, Shibpur in collaboration with GIZ Germany (the German Agency for International Cooperation) hosted the “Indo-German Living Lab Initiative” at its sprawling campus on May 7.

The international programme focused on building AI-driven academia–industry innovation partnerships between India and Germany, with special emphasis on strengthening collaboration among Indian MSMEs, German SMEs, research institutions, and industrial ecosystems.

The initiative, organised by the Industry-Institute Partnership Cell (IIPC), emerged as a significant platform for fostering cross-border technological cooperation, industrial innovation, and sustainable development.

“The programme brought together eminent academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, the MSME representatives, innovation experts, entrepreneurs, alumni and international delegates to deliberate on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), in smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0 technologies, and sustainable industrial growth,” said the institute press statement.

The Ministry of education is an active collaborator for this programme with two NITs in the Indo-German Living Lab Initiative apart from IIEST, Shibpur.

IIEST, Shibpur director V.M.S.R. Murthy underlined the importance of deepening the cooperation.

He remarked, “The integration of Germany’s industrial expertise with India’s rapidly expanding research and manufacturing strengths could open new avenues for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.”

As part of the collaboration roadmap, two faculty members from IIEST, Shibpur are expected to visit Germany for first-hand experience and exposure to the functioning of German SMEs, innovation ecosystems, industrial automation practices, and applied research frameworks.

“The Indo-German Living Lab Initiative programme is expected to formally commence in early 2027 following bilateral visits, formal MoUs, and the completion of collaborative institutional agreements between the participating stakeholders,” read the statement.

Shaswata Mukherjee, senior manager of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the immense industrial and entrepreneurial potential of Eastern India’s MSME sector.