ONGC and IIT(ISM) Dhanbad Sign MoU to Advance Energy Research, Innovation and Hydrocarbon Technologies
In a significant move aimed at enhancing indigenous innovation within India’s energy sector, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT(ISM)). This agreement, signed on November 17, 2025, seeks to bolster long-term collaboration between industry and academia in research, technology development, and capacity building across the hydrocarbon value chain.
Details of the MoU
The MoU was officially signed by Prof. Keka Ojha, Dean (CEP) of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, and Kuldip Mukherji, Chief of Production JV Assets & Business Development at ONGC. The signing ceremony was attended by Arunangshu Sarkar, Director of Strategy & Corporate Affairs at ONGC, along with other senior officials from both institutions.
A Partnership to Drive Advanced Energy Research
This collaboration is set to facilitate cutting-edge research and development (R&D) activities across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations in the energy sector. The partnership aims to merge academic expertise with practical industrial experience to advance technologies that support exploration, production, processing, and sustainability.
Key Research Areas
The MoU outlines several key research areas that will be the focus of this collaboration:
- Technology Innovation Across the Hydrocarbon Chain: The partnership will promote research in exploration, reservoir behavior, drilling systems, and production enhancement, utilizing modern tools and scientific methodologies.
- Geospatial & Remote Sensing Applications: ONGC and IIT(ISM) will work together to develop Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing applications to improve asset management, subsurface studies, and decision-making in complex terrains.
- Chemical and Process Technology Development: The collaboration will explore new chemical processes and technologies aimed at increasing efficiency, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing sustainability.
- Emerging Energy Domains: Research will extend to critical areas such as Critical Minerals, Coal Bed Methane (CBM), and Coal Gasification, which are essential for India’s future energy security.
- Academic Engagement & Knowledge Sharing: The MoU includes provisions for faculty exchange, joint courses, specialized training programs, and collaborative projects to strengthen technical capacity.
Accelerating Indigenous Technology for India’s Energy Future
This partnership is expected to significantly support production enhancement, AI/ML-driven analytics, and the development of futuristic technologies for exploration and new energy systems. By integrating academic research with industry needs, the collaboration aims to devise solutions that will play a vital role in shaping India’s evolving energy landscape.
About ONGC
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is India’s largest national oil and gas company, responsible for a significant portion of the country’s domestic hydrocarbon production. Established to ensure long-term energy security for India, ONGC leads exploration and production activities both onshore and offshore. With a growing emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and new energy technologies, ONGC continues to drive innovation throughout the energy value chain.
Conclusion
The signing of this MoU between ONGC and IIT(ISM) Dhanbad marks a pivotal step towards fostering innovation and research in the energy sector. By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, this collaboration aims to address the challenges in the hydrocarbon industry while contributing to India’s energy independence and sustainability goals.
Note: This article is based on the information available as of November 2025 and aims to provide an overview of the recent collaboration between ONGC and IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.
