MoU with BIRD

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	IITK Foundation for Advanced Consulting, Education and Training and Bankers Institute of Rural Development, Lucknow partner for Training, Research and other Collaborations​
		Key areas of focus include banking and finance, microfinance, FinTech, AgriTech, climate change and finance, digital agriculture, digital banking, human resource development, the use of AI in banking and finance, and cybersecurity By leveraging the talent pools of both institutions, the partnership will explore efficient methods to market their expertise and provide value-added services for national and international bids and projects Kanpur, 02 August, 2024: IITK Foundation for Advanced Consulting, Education and Training (IFACET), established by IIT Kanpur, announced a strategic partnership with Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow. This collaboration aims to enhance training, research, and joint initiatives across several key areas. The MoU was officially signed by Prof. B.V. Phani, Project Director of IFACET; and Ms. Shefali Agrawal, Joint Director of BIRD. The partnership focuses on advancing training and research through a multifaceted approach. IFACET and BIRD will develop and update training modules to align with the latest industry trends and technological advancements. Key areas of focus include banking and finance, microfinance, FinTech, AgriTech, climate change and finance, digital agriculture, digital banking, human resource development, the use of AI in banking and finance, and cybersecurity. This initiative will ensure that the training provided is both relevant and forward-thinking. Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, "We are excited about this partnership with BIRD as it aligns with our mission to foster innovation and excellence in education and research. By leveraging our collective expertise, we aim to address critical challenges in banking, finance, technology and agriculture, and bring in impactful solutions that benefit society at large. Dr. Nirupam Mehrotra, Director of BIRD, said, "The partnership aims to leverage IIT Kanpur's technological expertise and BIRD Lucknow's domain knowledge to develop sustainable solutions particularly in strategic areas such as digtial agriculture & lending, climate finance, cyber security, etc. By combining their strengths, both institutions are committed to driving impactful research initiatives, capacity-building programs, and innovative projects.” Prof. B.V. Phani, Project Director, IFACET, said, “Our extensive experience in delivering certification programs, seminars, and conferences across diverse domains including engineering, sciences, humanities, medical sciences, economics, management, and more positions us uniquely to collaborate with BIRD. This partnership will leverage our varied delivery methods, such as online, offline, cyber-physical, and blended modes, to enhance training and research initiatives in transformative ways.” Ms. Shefali Agrawal, Joint Director of BIRD, said, “BIRD’s proficiency in capacity building across agriculture, rural development, climate change, microfinance, and human resource development complements IFACET’s innovative training solutions. By combining our expertise, we aim to address pressing challenges and drive meaningful impact.” In addition to developing training modules, joint certification programs will be introduced to offer recognized qualifications that enhance professional credentials. The collaboration will also include organizing workshops and seminars, providing a platform for domain experts and industry professionals to discuss emerging technologies, financial strategies, and regulatory policy changes. The partnership will extend to collaborative studies and research initiatives aimed at addressing challenges and exploring opportunities in sectors such as banking and finance, microfinance, climate change, digital agriculture, AI and machine learning, the use of AI in banking and finance, and human resource development. Joint research projects will contribute to innovative solutions and impactful outcomes. Furthermore, the collaboration will involve training programs and faculty support utilizing both institutions' infrastructure and facilities. Networking opportunities will be created through organized events, nurturing a community of learning and collaboration among industry professionals and IIT alumni. The collaboration will also encompass consultancy services, offering a comprehensive range of expertise in areas including Banking and Finance, Agriculture, Digital Agriculture projects, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Farmers Producers Organizations & their collectives, Microfinance, and Climate Finance. By leveraging the talent pools of both institutions, the partnership will explore efficient methods to market their expertise and provide value-added services for national and international bids and projects. The MoU signifies the start of a dynamic partnership set to drive transformative advancements through strategic training and research efforts. About Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow: Established in 1983, the Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD) in Lucknow is an autonomous institution promoted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Renowned for its excellence, BIRD offers top-notch training, research, and consultancy services in agriculture and rural development banking, both in India and abroad. Its vision is to lead in providing high-quality services to client institutions, while its mission focuses on enhancing the capabilities of rural financial institutions through training, consultancy, research, and policy advocacy. With over 40 years of experience, BIRD has tailored a diverse range of training programs to meet the evolving needs of professionals in this field. For more information, please visit You do not have permission to view link please Log in or Register . About IIT Kanpur: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur was established in 1959 and declared to be an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. IIT Kanpur is best known for the highest standard of its education in science and engineering and seminal R&D contributions over the years. The institute has a sprawling lush green campus spread over 1050 acres with large pool of academic and research resources spanning across 19 departments, 25 centers and 3 interdisciplinary programs in engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines with more than 580 full-time faculty members and approximately 9000 students. For more information, visit You do not have permission to view link please Log in or Register .