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AGI Signs MOU with CEPT University for Geospatial Capacity Building, Skilling and Research Cooperation

December 06, 2022, New Delhi: India’s Geospatial industry body – the Association of Geospatial Industries (AGI), and the country’s premier academic institution for the natural and built environments – CEPT University – have signed two Memorandums of Understanding for advanced Geospatial skilling and capacity development for students, professionals, and Government officers, during a special online programme.

Geospatial technologies have assumed fundamental importance for a variety of sectors over the past decades, steering cutting-edge intelligence, automation, and advanced data systems. The Geospatial private industry in India is booming, set to generate 2.2 million jobs and contribute Rs. 1 lakh crores to the Indian economy by 2030. Governments at different levels in the country are also showing an increased interest in Geospatial adoption, as evident from supportive regulations, public-private partnerships, and tech-first development initiatives.

The need of the hour is to amplify efforts in creating the next generation of future-ready Geospatial resources on both the supply (industry) and demand (private and government user) sides. A close partnership between academia and the industry is key to reforming Geospatial skilling and capacity building in the country. The MoUs between CEPT University and AGI are significant steps in this direction, standing for the mutual commitment of both organizations to quality in education, applied research, and capacity building.

Under the first MoU for academic and research cooperation, AGI and CEPT have established an academic link to facilitate DRPs, Internships, and Placements for students, and assist academic staff in Research and Development, besides other activities of mutual interest and benefit.
The second MoU between AGI and the CEPT Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) aims at joint efforts toward propagating the use and adoption of Geospatial technologies in various areas of governance. AGI and its diverse member ecosystem, together with CRDF, CEPT University, will help government agencies at central and state levels get exposed to the latest tools, solutions, and software available for their unique problems.

On this occasion, Prof. Aanal Shah, Dean, Faculty of Technology, CEPT University said, “As a recognized pioneer in the fields for enhancing use of geospatial technology for human habitat , CEPT is eager to serve as a mentor by imparting its knowledge, skills, and best practices for students, professionals, and like-minded institutions. Through this MOU with AGI, we hope to enable and establish an academic exchange that facilitates quality applied research and development as well as industry-ready education.”

Mr. Darshan Parikh, Director, CRDF, CEPT University noted, “While many corporate, public, and academic institutions are working for Geospatial advocacy today, a collaborative effort between academia and industry would better serve the goal and produce more integrated results. This is where the AGI-CRDF MoU can work wonders. We plan to jointly identify areas requiring specific interventions, organize training programs, publish research reports, and build scalable applications as needed for accelerating the adoption of Geospatial technologies by government ministries, line departments, and state government bodies.”

Mr. Pramod Kaushik, President AGI, also welcomed the collaboration with CEPT University and CEPT Research and Development Foundation remarked, “The Geospatial industry greatly contributes to the nation’s socioeconomic strength by providing current and accurate spatial data readily available for a variety of uses. AGI, as the voice of the Geospatial industry in India, and with strong representation from the sector’s biggest, most innovative private players, is a key proponent of Geospatial adoption and advocacy. We look forward to fruitful collaborations with the CRDF and CEPT University for strengthening technology adoption, skilling and capacity development in the country.”

About CEPT University
CEPT University takes its name from the ‘Center for Environmental Planning and Technology’ (CEPT). It focuses on understanding, designing, planning, constructing and managing human habitats. Its teaching programs build thoughtful professionals, and its research programs deepen understanding of human settlements. In 2005, the Government of Gujarat incorporated CEPT as a university. CEPT University comprises five faculties: Faculty of Architecture (1962), Faculty of Planning (1972), Faculty of Technology (1982), Faculty of Design (1992) and the Faculty of Management (2013). Since 2007, the University Grants Commission recognizes CEPT University under section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is located at Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus, University Road, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

About CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF)
CRDF is the research and advisory arm of CEPT University. CRDF was established as a Not-for-Profit company under Section 25 Company under the Indian Companies Act, 1956 with Registered Office located at CEPT University, Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus, University Road, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad. Through CRDF, University engages actively in research projects, advisory assignments and capacity building initiatives aimed at solving critical problems in the built environment and improving people’s quality of life in towns and cities. CRDF’s mission is to educate, to build thoughtful and competent professionals and undertake research to clarify and deepen our understanding of how we design, plan, build and manage habitats, so that we may improve upon present practices.

About the Association of Geospatial Industries
The Association of Geospatial Industries (AGI) is an industry-led non-profit non-government professional organization that represents the interests of the geospatial industry in India and works towards the advancement of geospatial technologies and their applications. The voice of the Geospatial industry in India, AGI works towards the higher adoption of geospatial technologies across sectors, policy advocacy, and skill and capacity development, amongst other objectives. Established in 2009, the Association of Geospatial Industries is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

Contact
Ms. Sakshi Singh
Content Manager, AGI
E: sakshi.singh@agiindia.com