Overview
On 27 October 2026, during the Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2026) in Goa, the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT) and the Centre for High Technology (CHT) executed a five‑year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement was signed by Shri Sankar Gunasekaran, Executive Director of CHT, and Prof. Harish Hirani, Director of RGIPT, in the presence of Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), and Shri Alok Tripathi, Joint Secretary, MoPNG.
Joint Ph.D. Research Fellowship Programme
The MoU establishes a Joint Ph.D. Research Fellowship Programme aimed at addressing challenges identified by the petroleum, petrochemical and energy industries. Up to three scholars may be enrolled each year, with the provision to increase the intake to five, and a maximum of ten fellows can be supported concurrently. Each fellow will receive a stipend that is 25 % higher than the prevailing CSIR/UGC‑NET/GATE fellowship rates, together with other admissible benefits. Supervision will be joint, involving RGIPT faculty and experts nominated by CHT or its industry partners. Research focus areas include green hydrogen, fuel cells, advanced batteries, corrosion engineering, carbon capture and utilisation, crude‑to‑chemicals, catalysts, biofuels, waste valorisation, digitalisation and energy efficiency.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Emphasis
Prof. Hirani highlighted that doctoral scholars will be encouraged to pursue patents, prototype development, product creation and start‑up formation alongside academic publications. The MoU provides a framework for translating promising research outcomes from laboratory investigations to proof‑of‑concept validation, prototype development and, where commercially viable, technology‑based enterprises. Collaboration with the MC² Foundation and related programmes will explore opportunities for innovation mentoring, sponsored research, technology development and commercialisation, subject to applicable conditions. While discussions are ongoing about recognising patents and commercially viable technologies as part of doctoral assessment, no changes to existing Ph.D. requirements have been finalised.
Student Design and Innovation Projects
RGIPT’s Design and Innovation Project initiative has identified approximately 250 real‑world industrial problem statements, engaging 115 students. Each student team receives an initial financial support of ₹10,000. Promising projects may obtain additional funding and the chance to pitch to incubation partners, facilitating movement toward practical applications and potential start‑ups. The Dean of Research and Development, Dr Milan Kumar, noted further opportunities for innovation mentoring and prospective funding through the MC² Foundation, subject to applicable conditions.
Testing Facilities, Sponsored Research and Industry Engagement
The MoU envisages the joint establishment of testing facilities at RGIPT campuses to address technological challenges faced by the petroleum and energy sectors, thereby strengthening experimental capabilities and supporting technology validation. Both organisations will explore long‑term industry‑sponsored research projects aligned with operational requirements and emerging technological needs. RGIPT is also enhancing its central instrumentation facilities, improving equipment availability and maintenance, and expanding collaborations with research institutions such as CSIR laboratories.
Capacity Building and Energy Policy Initiatives
RGIPT and CHT will co‑organise national and international training programmes in partnership with Indian refineries, covering topics such as petroleum refining, petrochemicals, asset integrity, process safety, green hydrogen, digital technologies, energy transition and sustainable energy systems. The two entities will also establish an energy think‑tank to support policy formulation and strategic thinking in the petroleum and energy sectors. Participation in CHT’s Activity Committee Meetings will provide RGIPT with insights into refinery operational challenges and opportunities for research‑based solutions.
Strategic Significance
The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry application, fostering indigenous technology development, supporting India’s energy sustainability goals, and creating pathways for young researchers to become innovators, technology developers and entrepreneurs. By integrating doctoral research, student innovation, industry expertise, testing infrastructure, specialised training and start‑up development, the partnership seeks to contribute to India’s energy security, technological self‑reliance and sustainable energy transition.