Sambalpur University, OKCL sign MoU to advance AI, digital education
Sambalpur University and OKCL signed an MoU to advance AI, digital education, skill development, research and innovation in line with NEP 2020.
Sambalpur University and Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on July 30, 2026 to collaborate on advancing artificial intelligence, digital education, skill development, research and innovation. The agreement, signed between the university’s Registrar Prof. P. K. Naik and OKCL Managing Director Dr. Manoranjan Puthal, aims to align academic programmes with the National Education Policy 2020 and enhance graduate employability in Odisha. The signing took place on Thursday in the presence of senior university officials and OKCL Senior Manager Niladri Bihari Ray.
What does the MoU cover?
Under the partnership, Sambalpur University and OKCL will jointly implement AI awareness and capacity‑building programmes, faculty development initiatives, digital learning and certification courses, collaborative research and innovation projects, internships, apprenticeships, hackathons, entrepreneurship development initiatives, and AI‑enabled academic and administrative solutions. These activities are designed to integrate AI, digital technologies and industry‑relevant skills into higher education in line with the National Education Policy 2020. Senior university officials and OKCL Senior Manager Niladri Bihari Ray attended the signing ceremony. The collaboration was facilitated through sustained institutional engagement coordinated by OKCL Senior Manager Niladri Bihari Ray, who has been instrumental in forging partnerships between OKCL and higher education institutions across Odisha.
What are the expected outcomes?
Officials said the partnership is expected to create new opportunities for collaborative research, innovation, digital transformation and industry‑academia engagement. The collaboration aims to build a more skilled, globally competitive and future‑ready higher education ecosystem in the state. Prof. Bidhu Bhusan Mishra, Vice‑Chancellor of Sambalpur University, said technology-driven education is crucial for preparing students to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market and expressed confidence that the collaboration would enhance academic excellence and improve graduate employability. Dr. Manoranjan Puthal, Managing Director of OKCL, stated that the partnership reaffirmed OKCL’s commitment to supporting higher education institutions through digital transformation, AI adoption and technology‑enabled learning, enabling students and faculty to keep pace with emerging technological advancements. Prof. P. K. Naik, Registrar of Sambalpur University, welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen academic engagement, institutional capacity and innovation‑driven learning.
Who were present at the ceremony?
The MoU was exchanged between Sambalpur University Registrar Prof. P. K. Naik and OKCL Managing Director Dr. Manoranjan Puthal. Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Bidhu Bhusan Mishra, senior university officials and OKCL Senior Manager Niladri Bihari Ray were present at the signing ceremony held on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
What did Sambalpur University and OKCL agree to collaborate on?
They agreed to collaborate on advancing artificial intelligence, digital education, skill development, research and innovation.
When was the MoU between Sambalpur University and OKCL signed?
The MoU was signed on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Who signed the MoU on behalf of Sambalpur University and OKCL?
Sambalpur University Registrar Prof. P. K. Naik and OKCL Managing Director Dr. Manoranjan Puthal signed the MoU.
Which officials were present at the signing ceremony?
Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Bidhu Bhusan Mishra, senior university officials and OKCL Senior Manager Niladri Bihari Ray were present.
How does the MoU align with national policy?
The partnership aims to align academic programmes with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by integrating AI, digital technologies and industry‑relevant skills into higher education.
What activities will be undertaken under the Sambalpur University‑OKCL partnership?
The partnership will implement AI awareness and capacity‑building programmes, faculty development initiatives, digital learning and certification courses, collaborative research and innovation projects, internships, apprenticeships, hackathons, entrepreneurship development initiatives, and AI‑enabled academic and administrative solutions.
What outcomes do officials expect from this collaboration?
Officials expect new opportunities for collaborative research, innovation, digital transformation and industry‑academia engagement, contributing to a more skilled, globally competitive and future‑ready higher education ecosystem in Odisha.
What did Prof. Bidhu Bhusan Mishra say about technology‑driven education?
He said technology‑driven education is crucial for preparing students to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market and expressed confidence that the collaboration would enhance academic excellence and improve graduate employability.
What did Dr. Manoranjan Puthal say about OKCL’s commitment?
He stated that the partnership reaffirmed OKCL’s commitment to supporting higher education institutions through digital transformation, AI adoption and technology‑enabled learning, enabling students and faculty to keep pace with emerging technological advancements.
Who facilitated the partnership between Sambalpur University and OKCL?
The collaboration was facilitated through sustained institutional engagement coordinated by OKCL Senior Manager Niladri Bihari Ray, who has been instrumental in forging partnerships between OKCL and higher education institutions across Odisha.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
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