As part of the collaboration, a Design and Innovation Centre will be set up at Anna University’s College of Engineering, offering access to Autodesk’s cloud-based platforms. The initiative will also support practical training and faculty development, aiming to better align academic learning with evolving industry expectations.
Autodesk has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Anna University, Chennai, to help students become more job-ready in the design and manufacturing sectors. The MoU aims to introduce courses that focus on practical learning and specializations in digital manufacturing and generative design.
The MoU was signed by Conway Kang Wei Goh, Director, Autodesk Education Experiences, APAC, and Dr. J Prakash, Registrar, Anna University. The signing took place at the university’s main campus in Guindy, Chennai, in the presence of Dr. Govi Chezhiaan, Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, and several senior officials including Thiru C. Samayamoorthy, IAS, Tmt. J. Innocent Divya, IAS, Thiru M P Vijay Kumar, IAS, and senior faculty members of Anna University.
As part of this partnership, a new Design and Innovation Centre will be set up at the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG). This centre will give students access to Autodesk’s advanced cloud-based tools for learning skills like digital manufacturing, CNC machining, and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
The collaboration will also include training programs for faculty, student design competitions, and opportunities for Anna University leaders to take part in Autodesk’s global events such as Autodesk University. Faculty members will be trained as master trainers to lead digital manufacturing courses across all affiliated colleges of the university.
Conway Kang Wei Goh, Director, Autodesk Education Experiences, APAC, said, “Our alliance with Anna University is not just a collaboration, it is a call to action to empower the next generation of engineers and innovators to accelerate India’s economic growth. By integrating Autodesk’s cutting-edge design and make technology into the curriculum, we are not only providing students access to next-generation skills but also enabling them to take the lead in a digitally transformed world and meet the rapidly evolving demands of the design and make industries.”
Dr. J Prakash, Registrar, Anna University, added, “This strategic partnership with Autodesk is a critical next step in our vision to reimagine technical education. By providing direct access to innovative tools and global industry practices to our faculty and students, we are building a strong system that fosters innovation, increases employability, and equips our graduates to succeed in tomorrow’s industries.”
The MoU also sets the direction for integrating Autodesk’s platforms into academic programs, encouraging research-based learning, and giving students practical exposure to real industry challenges. With hands-on training, curriculum development, and immersive learning experiences, this partnership aims to bridge the gap between what students learn and what the industry needs. It also shows Autodesk’s effort to make industry-relevant education more available across India’s higher education space.
