Microsoft ties up with Anna University

CHENNAI, INDIA: Microsoft and Anna University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to launch the I-Spark program in the institution.

The prografm is an attempt to bridge the gap between industry needs and student readiness by accelerating adoption of technology which strengthens IT competencies among students and creates better employment opportunities, said a press release. 

Also read: Microsoft fosters entrepreneurial ecosystem

The university is the first one in Tamil Nadu to join the unique I-spark program which is aimed at driving innovation and entrepreneurship among students.

The I-Spark program comprises an ‘Innovation Platform’ which acts as a ‘hub for collaboration’ amongst colleges, universities, government/quasi-government bodies, industry bodies and partners. So far, 50,000 students in 25 colleges across 5 states have benefited from the program.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P Mannar Jawahar, vice-chancellor, Anna University, said, “In a highly competitive environment it is important for students to think out of the box and leverage technology optimally to develop path breaking solutions. We are focused on creating opportunities for students that encourage them to learn, experiment and innovate. Microsoft’s I-Spark program is one such platform that will enable our students to achieve the highest levels of excellence.”

“It is exciting to see education institutes across India drive innovation amongst students. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. I clearly see synergies between institutes like Anna University and Microsoft, where innovation is regarded as the most powerful driving force for everything we do,” said S. Somasegar, senior VP, Developer Division of Microsoft Corporation.

He added, “These are exciting times for India and the I-Spark program can play a pivotal role in enhancing the skills of students, in empowering them to use the latest software and developer tools and transform their ideas into reality.”

Somasegar also mentioned that starting this year, Microsoft will be hiring students directly from India’s premium colleges to work at its campus in Redmond, and Anna University would be one of the first universities where Microsoft would look to hire for its R&D facilities.