The International Institute of Information Technology-Naya Raipur and NTPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore and work for co-innovation in the field of predictive maintenance/asset management solutions by establishing a centre of excellence called 'IIITNR-COE on Predictive Maintenance,' which is intended to provide an academic environment and R&D-based solutions on predictive maintenance systems, tools, and products.

In general, IIIT-NR will provide the necessary expertise and training on cutting-edge technologies such as Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, 5G communication, and so on in predictive maintenance, while NTPC will provide the necessary field data, validation for research projects, and research fellowship/internship/consultancy towards development.

The MoU will allow for activities such as mutual visits by NTPC and IIIT officers, faculty, and students to discuss collaborative initiatives, as well as joint brainstorming sessions, training, hackathons, and workshops.

The collaboration will also aid in the development of technology and will consider ways to scale up the prototypes and technologies developed as a result of this collaboration for Industry 4.0 and Predictive Maintenance.

The MoU was signed by Lt. Col. Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Registrar, IIIT-NR and Manish Kumar Srivastava, executive director (engineering); in the presence of Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya, director (projects), NTP and Chilakapati Sivakumar, regional executive director (WR-II & USSC).