NMDC Partners with IIT Kanpur to Drive AI, ML, and Cybersecurity Initiatives

In a strategic move to enhance technological capabilities and cybersecurity, NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), across NMDC’s operations.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Satyendra Rai, Executive Director (Digital Transformation), on behalf of NMDC, and Prof. Ashoke De, Dean of Research & Development at IIT Kanpur, in the presence of Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, along with senior officials from both institutions.

Under this partnership, NMDC and IIT Kanpur will focus on cybersecurity risk assessments, policy and compliance support, AI/ML integration, security operations, incident response, capacity building, and joint research and innovation. The collaboration will also encompass training programs, pilot projects, research initiatives, and co-development of proof-of-concept solutions, ensuring a hands-on, practical approach to digital transformation in the mining sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD of NMDC, said, “This MoU brings IIT Kanpur’s advanced research capabilities into NMDC’s operational ecosystem. It will help strengthen our digital defenses, improve operational intelligence, and build a secure, future-ready technological foundation for NMDC.”

The partnership reflects NMDC’s commitment to becoming a digitally robust and technologically advanced mining organization. By combining NMDC’s operational expertise with IIT Kanpur’s cutting-edge research, the collaboration is expected to drive innovation, enhance cybersecurity, and integrate modern digital solutions across India’s largest iron ore producer.

Beyond industry applications, the initiative also opens avenues for student internships, joint research projects, specialized training programs, and knowledge sharing, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world industrial challenges.

This MoU marks a significant step in strengthening industry-academia collaboration in India, demonstrating how research institutions and public sector enterprises can work together to advance technological innovation, digital resilience, and operational excellence.