Amity University Haryana Strengthens Academia-Industry Collaboration to Build Future-Ready Professionals in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Ecosystem
Gurugram, June 09: In a significant step towards strengthening academia-industry collaboration and preparing future-ready professionals, Amity University Haryana (AUH) inaugurated a Five-Day Industry-Oriented Capacity Building Program on “Bridging Academia and Industry in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Ecosystem: Building Innovation and Entrepreneurial Skills.” The programme is being organized by the Amity Academic Staff College and the Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education, in collaboration with the School of Architecture and Planning. The initiative brings together eminent academicians, industry leaders, architects, engineers and research scholars, students to explore innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and emerging industry practices within the AEC sector.
Addressing the inaugural session, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) P. B. Sharma, Amity University Haryana called upon educators, architects, engineers and students to actively contribute to nation-building through responsible design, innovation and sustainable development. Prof Sharma highlighted that India is witnessing unprecedented growth in infrastructure, urban development and technological advancement, creating new opportunities and responsibilities for higher education institutions. Emphasizing the need for future-ready professionals, Prof Sharma noted that universities must nurture individuals who possess not only technical competence but also the vision, values, creativity and leadership required to address global challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Madhukar, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana, underscored the importance of continuous capacity building and lifelong learning in the rapidly evolving Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. He reflected on the transformation of architectural and construction practices through technological innovations and stressed the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that educational institutions remain aligned with emerging professional and societal needs.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Charanjit S. Shah, Architect, Planner and Infrastructure Expert, shared valuable insights from his extensive experience in major infrastructure and airport development projects. Prof Shah highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among architecture, structural engineering, and MEP systems and emphasized that innovation, integrated planning, and effective coordination are essential for addressing contemporary challenges within the construction industry.
The inaugural session also featured an insightful address by Ms. Mili Majumdar, Managing Director, GBCI India and Senior Vice President, Innovation and Research, U.S. Green Building Council, who spoke extensively on sustainability and future-ready building practices. She discussed energy modelling, passive design strategies, climate adaptation, modular construction, and digital twins, while emphasizing the need to develop professionals who are system thinkers, technology integrators, and effective communicators capable of leading sustainable transformation within the built environment.
Sharing industry perspectives, Mr. Rahul Thakkar, Vice President, Hettich India Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the company’s sustainability-driven approach to design and manufacturing. He emphasized the importance of intelligent design, optimization, efficient resource utilization, and innovation-led solutions in creating sustainable and user-centric environments while minimizing material wastage and environmental impact.
Welcoming the distinguished dignitaries, industry leaders, faculty members, research scholars, students and participants, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjna Vij, Chief Coordinator of the Program, Director, Amity Academic Staff College and Head, Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education, Amity University Haryana, highlighted the significance of strengthening academia-industry partnerships to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning. She emphasized that the programme has been thoughtfully designed to provide participants with meaningful industry exposure, practical insights and future-ready competencies essential for success in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction ecosystem. She further noted that such initiatives play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice while nurturing a culture of innovation and excellence.
The inaugural session concluded with remarks by Prof. H. R. P. Yadav, who summarized the key insights shared by the eminent speakers and encouraged participants to actively engage in the forthcoming technical sessions, industry visits, live case studies, and experiential learning opportunities planned throughout the five-day programme.
The inaugural day concluded with a highly engaging technical session by Ar. Bhagya Lakshmi Umapathy, Architect, Secretary, Mauritius Association of Architects, and Brand Strategy Director, Junior Chamber International (Mauritius), on the theme “Building a Career Portfolio, Not Just a Degree: Developing Innovation and Entrepreneurial Skills in the AEC Industry.” She emphasized that long-term professional success requires a balanced combination of technical expertise, communication skills, leadership qualities, and entrepreneurial thinking. Encouraging participants to move beyond academic credentials, she shared practical strategies for building impactful career portfolios, enhancing professional visibility, and creating meaningful value in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The five-day programme will provide faculty members and students with direct exposure to industry practices through expert interactions, industry visits, case studies and experiential learning opportunities. The initiative reflects Amity University Haryana’s commitment to fostering stronger academia-industry engagement and developing future-ready professionals capable of contributing to innovation, sustainability and excellence within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction ecosystem.
The University also expressed its sincere appreciation to its valued industry and institutional partners, Gallant Orbit, Casa Exotique, Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC), Hettich India and Spark International, for their support and collaboration in enriching the programme. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment towards strengthening industry-academia engagement, promoting experiential learning, and equipping learners with the skills, knowledge and professional competencies required to thrive in the rapidly evolving Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) ecosystem.
“Bridging classrooms with construction sites, innovation with implementation, and learning with leadership, the programme embodies Amity University Haryana’s vision of creating skilled, innovative and socially responsible professionals for a sustainable future.”