Washington University is playing host this weekend to both international business leaders and academics from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB).
The meeting is aimed at strengthening connections around technology, innovation and education.
During the two day event, officials with both universities announced the launch of a corporate focused alliance geared toward transitioning academic discoveries into real world applications.
“We feel that the mission of a research university includes taking what we learn and bringing benefit to society,” said Washington University Chancellor Mark Wrighton. “India is just becoming engaged in such activity. Economically, we think we can work together with our talented faculty and students to develop this opportunity for new enterprises both in St. Louis and in India.”
Faculties from both universities have already worked together on more than 25 projects, including the Solar Energy Research Institute for India and the U.S. (SERIIUS). SERIIUS, a $62 million venture funded by corporations along with the U.S. Department of Energy and the government of India, is aimed at ramping up the development solar electric technologies.
Wrighton said bolstering international ties will help the St. Louis region hang on to international research talent after graduation.
“We bring in talented people from all across the United States and from around the world,” Wrighton said. “They’ll come and work with us and hopefully develop their new enterprise here in St. Louis.”
