New Delhi / Dhanbad: In a strategic move to accelerate indigenous innovation in India’s energy sector, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT(ISM) Dhanbad. The agreement, signed on 17 November 2025, aims to strengthen long-term industry–academia collaboration in research, technology development, and capacity building across the hydrocarbon value chain.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Keka Ojha, Dean (CEP) of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, and Kuldip Mukherji, ONGC Chief (Production JV Assets & Business Development). The ceremony was attended by Arunangshu Sarkar, Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs), ONGC, along with senior officials from both institutions.
A Partnership to Drive Advanced Energy Research
The collaboration will facilitate cutting-edge R&D activities spanning upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Both organisations aim to combine academic expertise with field-level industrial experience to advance technologies that support exploration, production, processing, and sustainability.
Key research areas include advanced geosciences, reservoir engineering, drilling optimization, and digital innovations that strengthen India’s energy reliability.
Focus Areas of the Collaboration
1. Technology Innovation Across the Hydrocarbon Chain
The partnership will promote research in exploration, reservoir behavior, drilling systems, and production enhancement, using modern tools and scientific methodologies.
2. Geospatial & Remote Sensing Applications
ONGC and IIT(ISM) will jointly develop GIS and remote sensing applications to improve asset management, subsurface studies, and decision-making in complex terrain.
3. Chemical and Process Technology Development
The collaboration will explore new chemical processes and technologies aimed at improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing sustainability.
4. Emerging Energy Domains
Work will also extend to frontier areas such as Critical Minerals, Coal Bed Methane (CBM), and Coal Gasification, which are vital for India’s future energy security.
5. Academic Engagement & Knowledge Sharing
The MoU includes provisions for faculty exchange, joint courses, specialized training programs, and collaborative projects that strengthen technical capacity.
Accelerating Indigenous Technology for India’s Energy Future
The partnership is expected to support production enhancement, AI/ML-driven analytics, and futuristic technologies for exploration and new energy systems. By merging academic research with industry needs, the collaboration aims to develop solutions that will play a critical role in powering India’s evolving energy landscape.
About ONGC
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is India’s largest national oil and gas company, responsible for the majority of the country’s domestic hydrocarbon production. Established to ensure India’s long-term energy security, ONGC leads exploration and production activities both onshore and offshore. With increasing focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and new energy technologies, ONGC continues to drive innovation across the energy value chain.
