In a move aimed at strengthening India’s sustainability workforce, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has partnered with global technology company Honeywell to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to sustainability skills and innovation at the institute’s Powai campus in Mumbai.

The initiative seeks to train more than 100,000 students in sustainability-related disciplines by 2030 through a collaborative industry–academia model. 

The centre, titled the IIT Bombay–Honeywell Centre of Excellence for Future Skills and Innovation, will be set up and funded by Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm in India.

Certificate programmes with hands-on learning

The Centre of Excellence will offer certificate-based programmes that integrate academic coursework with hands-on projects focused on real-world sustainability challenges. 

The programmes will be open to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students from across the country.

According to an official statement, the centre will support the development of advanced laboratory infrastructure, procurement of specialised equipment, curriculum design, and research and innovation grants. 

The initiative aims to equip students with practical skills that can be applied across industries adopting sustainable practices.

The curriculum will cover five core learning tracks: sustainability reporting, sustainable finance, energy security, sustainability infrastructure, and policy advocacy.

Pilot phase to begin with 250 students

In its initial pilot phase over the next two months, the centre will set up core infrastructure, design specialised curriculum modules, and train an initial cohort of about 250 students.

Following the pilot stage, the programme is expected to expand significantly, engaging nearly 20,000 students annually through structured courses and research-driven learning activities.

The training model will combine academic instruction with applied research and project-based learning aligned with evolving industry requirements.

Addressing the green skills gap

The collaboration comes amid rising demand for professionals trained in sustainability and green technologies as India accelerates its renewable energy expansion and climate initiatives.

India is projected to create around 3.4 million jobs in the green sector by 2030, according to the Economic Survey 2023–24. 

However, the renewable energy industry is expected to face a shortage of skilled professionals in sustainability and energy systems.

The newly launched Centre of Excellence aims to bridge this gap by developing specialised training programmes that combine academic expertise with industry applications in sustainability and energy technologies.