DTU Strengthens Defence Collaborations, Launches Geospatial Tech Department and Expands Global Ties: VC Prateek Sharma

In an exclusive conversation with Shiksha, Delhi Technological University (DTU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Prateek Sharma shared how the institution is building strong R&D collaborations with DRDO, MoRTH, and BRO to support India’s self-reliance in defence and infrastructure.

In an exclusive conversation with Shiksha, Delhi Technological University (DTU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Prateek Sharma shared how the institution is building strong R&D collaborations with DRDO, MoRTH, and BRO to support India’s self-reliance in defence and infrastructure. He also detailed the launch of a new Department of Geospatial Science and Technology, global university partnerships, and alumni-backed initiatives aimed at solving pressing societal challenges.

Q: DTU has launched new undergraduate programmes recently. What are they, and what is the admission process?

VC: We’ve launched three new B.Tech programmes this year—Data Science and Analytics, Cyber Security, and VLSI Design and Technology. Each programme has 60 seats, and admissions are conducted through Joint Admission Counselling (JAC) for five institutions. These programmes were approved by our Academic Council and Board of Management in May.

Q: You also introduced an M.Tech in Cyber Security. What’s the update on that?

VC: Yes, the M.Tech in Cyber Security is now open for admissions. There are 30 seats, and applicants need a valid GATE score. The form is live on our website.

Q: You’ve mentioned a strong focus on research-based postgraduation. Could you elaborate on your M.Tech by Research initiatives?

VC: Certainly. Traditional M.Tech has more coursework and less time for actual research. Our M.Tech by Research model flips this—one semester of coursework and three semesters of research. This allows working professionals to continue research in collaboration with industries or government labs.

We’ve launched:

M.Tech by Research in Sustainable Energy in collaboration with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).

M.Tech by Research in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)—perhaps the first of its kind in India.

Q: Is DTU collaborating with defence or government agencies for research?

VC: Yes. We have signed an MoU with DRDO for student internships and research in self-reliance and defence technology. We also work with MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways) for technical vetting of DPRs and tunnel safety post incidents like the Silkyara collapse. Our faculty is also engaged with BRO for addressing landslides in the Northeast.

Q: Are there international collaborations in the pipeline?

VC: We’ve signed MoUs with:

University of Houston

Wright State University

Bradley University

We’re exploring 3+1 and 4+1 joint degree models, where DTU students can study abroad, and even international students can come to DTU for part of their degree. These are aligned with the UGC guidelines promoting internationalisation.

Q: Any other unique academic or departmental expansions planned?

VC: We’re launching a Department of Geospatial Science and Technology—a discipline relevant to everything from disaster management to defence. We already offer an M.Tech in Geoinformatics, and now we’ll add UG and PhD programmes. Our aim is to lead in geospatial research and education, aligning with the National Space Policy 2022.

Q: What’s the university doing to engage alumni and fund institutional growth?

VC: We’ve created a Section 8 company to manage an endowment fund. Contributions are being encouraged through CSR and industry partnerships. One major contributor is Professor Yogi Goswami, a renowned renewable energy expert and DTU alumnus, who helped establish our Centre for Energy Transition. We also received support from Vinod Dham, the “father of the Pentium chip,” and Paytm, which funded the Wisdom on Wheels mobile labs initiative.

Q: Tell us more about the 'Wisdom on Wheels' initiative.

VC: It’s a mobile lab on a bus equipped with computers, 3D printers, and internet access. It travels to adopted villages for digital literacy and skills training. We’ve begun with five villages and plan to scale it up across all 15 academic departments, offering community outreach in multiple domains.

Q: What support is DTU receiving from the Delhi government, and are there expansion plans?

VC: Yes, we’ve received 48 acres in Narela for our new campus as part of the Delhi Government’s Education Hub. A research park, and Centres of Excellence in AI and Drone Technology are planned there. The Delhi government has committed the first phase of funding. We're also developing proposals to tackle Delhi’s civic issues, like pollution, through interdisciplinary research.

Q: Any targets for the endowment fund like other major institutions?

VC: We have worked out estimates and prepared a brochure outlining the naming rights and required investments for each infrastructure project. I don’t recall the exact figure now, but our fundraising targets are aligned with infrastructure needs and alumni involvement.

Q: How is DTU aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

VC: We’re fully embracing NEP’s vision by signing an MoU with South Asian University (SAARC University) to implement credit sharing, joint supervision, and meta-university models. PhD students can now take coursework across institutions, and this will gradually expand to UG/PG levels.