In a major initiative geared towards offering students career oriented education, Sona Star Innovation Pvt. Ltd., via its SCALE (Sona Centre for Advanced Learning & Entrepreneurship) initiative, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University (Dr. MSBCU).
The MoU, which was signed during the Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation Conference Series – I (MRICS-2026), held from August 5-6 in Bengaluru, will strengthen industry-academia collaboration by including in the curriculum industry-driven programmes, research projects and experiential learning.
The partnership will enhance student employability, industry readiness and workforce development. It will also see the setting up of ‘finishing school’ skill workshops that will help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. The MoU will also bolster the university’s incubation/innovation systems.
One of its unique initiatives will be the appointment of “professors of practice”, who will be experienced industry professionals. In addition to being visiting faculty, they will also act as trainers, mentors and academic contributors.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice Chairman of Sona Group of Institutions and Chief Mentor of Sona Star, who was also a keynote speaker at the final plenary session on Research Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Sustainability, said, “For over a century, the Sona name has stood for one thing: preparing people for the work of their time. That’s the same promise we’re extending through this partnership with Dr. MS Bengaluru City University – bringing our industry network directly into their classrooms and labs, so their students graduate not just qualified, but ready to contribute from day one.”
Prof. Ramesh B, Vice Chancellor of Dr. MSBCU, who signed the MoU on behalf of the university, said, “This MoU will reinforce and strengthen the university’s academic rigour as SCALE’s industry-driven programmes will empower students with future-ready skills and innovation opportunities. It will also provide them with greater opportunities for global exposure, especially if they are looking at careers in areas such as AI, data science and engineering.”
The partnership, initially valid for five years, will also see organisation and hosting of HR conclaves, industry-academia events, workshops, seminars and related engagement activities.
