Nemetschek Group & IIT Madras Sign MoU to Foster Research in Low-Carbon and Lean Construction
On November 23, 2025, the Nemetschek Group announced a significant collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. This partnership involves the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a platinum membership research partnership under the Centre of Excellence for Technologies for Low-Carbon and Lean Construction (TCL2).
About the Partnership
The TCL2 initiative at IIT Madras is dedicated to developing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance sustainability within the construction industry. The primary goals of this partnership include:
- Minimizing waste in construction processes.
- Reducing the carbon footprint of construction activities.
- Fostering efficiency in the construction sector.
This collaboration is funded by Nemetschek Group’s AI and Data innovation hub, which aims to leverage advanced technologies to support sustainable construction practices.
Expert Insights
Professor Ashwin Mahalingam from IIT Madras expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our engagement with Nemetschek offers a unique opportunity to advance cutting-edge research in sustainable construction technologies. The partnership empowers our faculty and students to work closely with industry pioneers to address real-world challenges, particularly in digital fabrication and modular construction, enhancing the impact of our academic programs.”
Areas of Collaboration
The MoU outlines diverse areas of collaboration, including:
- Joint research projects focused on low-carbon and lean construction.
- Advisory and visiting appointments for experts from both organizations.
- Continuing education programs for employees.
- Curriculum development to integrate modern technologies into academic programs.
Commitment to Innovation
Pete Nicholson, Senior Vice President of Key Accounts and High Growth Regions at Nemetschek Group, emphasized the significance of this partnership by stating, “This partnership with IIT Madras highlights Nemetschek’s commitment to advancing innovation and sustainable development in India’s construction sector.”
He further elaborated, “By combining applied research in low-carbon and lean construction with powerful AI technologies ethically, we aim to accelerate productivity, efficiency, and sustainability—essential for meeting the demand of India’s extensive infrastructure investments and ensuring a future-ready construction ecosystem across the country.”
Employment Opportunities
This partnership is also poised to create new employment opportunities. The integration of Nemetschek’s digital tools with civil engineering programs at IIT Madras is expected to enhance recruitment prospects for students. Charles Sheridan, Chief AI and Data Officer of Nemetschek Group, remarked, “Our investment in the TLC2 centre of excellence reflects Nemetschek’s dedication to integrating cutting-edge AI and sustainable technologies in construction. Collaborations like this empower us to co-create impactful solutions, leverage academic excellence, and accelerate digital transformation in the Indian Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.”
Conclusion
The MoU between Nemetschek Group and IIT Madras marks a pivotal step towards fostering research and innovation in sustainable construction practices. By focusing on low-carbon and lean construction techniques, this partnership aims to address critical challenges in the construction industry while simultaneously preparing the next generation of engineers and architects for a sustainable future.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates as of November 2025.
