In a major boost to industry-linked engineering education in Belagavi, KLS Gogte Institute of Technology (KLS GIT) has inaugurated its Centre of Excellence in Precision Engineering (PE-CoE), introducing a first-of-its-kind ‘Factory on Campus’ initiative aimed at preparing students for the evolving needs of advanced manufacturing industries.
The Centre has been established with financial support from Karnataka Bank Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial practice. Students will have access to AI-enabled industry-grade manufacturing systems, digital engineering tools and hands-on production environments from the early stages of their engineering education.
The Centre has been developed to cater to the growing precision manufacturing sector, with a special emphasis on aerospace components and other high-precision engineering applications. According to the institute, the initiative will help enhance students’ employability by equipping them with practical skills aligned with Industry 4.0 and modern manufacturing requirements.
KLS GIT Principal Dr. V. A. Athavale said the Centre reflects the institute’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates through collaborations with leading industrial and technology partners. He acknowledged the support extended by Karnataka Bank and the Dassault Systèmes Foundation, India, in strengthening the institute’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
The inauguration was attended by Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat, Managing Director & CEO of Karnataka Bank, who described industry-supported academic initiatives as essential for developing skilled professionals capable of contributing to India’s manufacturing growth and technological advancement.
A key highlight of the event was the announcement of a new initiative supported by the Dassault Systèmes Foundation, India, titled “Enabling Precision Manufacturing Skill Development in the Aerospace and Allied Industries for Tier-2 Cities’ Talent.” The programme aims to create a future-ready digital manufacturing workforce for Belagavi and the surrounding region by training students in Virtual Twin Technology, digital manufacturing, simulation, systems engineering and advanced design practices.
During the ceremony, an agreement between the Dassault Systèmes Foundation and KLS GIT was formally exchanged by Sudarshan Mogasale, CEO of Dassault Systèmes Solutions Lab, India, and Rajendra K. Belgaumkar, Chairman of the Governing Council of KLS GIT, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration focused on precision manufacturing and digital engineering education.
Speaking at the event, Sudarshan Mogasale highlighted the importance of developing digital manufacturing talent in Tier-2 cities to support India’s rapidly expanding aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Rajeev Kaul, Managing Director & CEO of Aequs Limited, Belagavi, welcomed the initiative, noting that industries increasingly seek engineers with practical shop-floor experience in addition to academic knowledge. He said the new Centre would help narrow the gap between academia and industry.
Rajendra K. Belgaumkar said the Factory on Campus model would provide continuous industrial exposure to students, enabling them to contribute effectively from the first day of their professional careers.
Presiding over the function, Pradeep Sawkar, President of The Karnataka Law Society, stressed that skill development and industry partnerships have become integral to quality higher education and are essential for producing globally competitive engineers.