Oxford: Isis Innovation to advise on new university in Gujarat

A new independent, industry-focused university is being established in Gujarat, India, under the aegis of Whistling Group which will draw on expert advice from Isis Innovation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Oxford, and from various members of the University acting in a consultancy capacity.

The new university will offer postgraduate training in alternative energy, conventional energy and management, and will establish its own research programmes, aiming to become a national hub for innovation. It aims to be an independent, world-class university that will provide an opportunity to a number of under-privileged students who cannot afford or access world-class education, and will promote women’s participation in the field of alternative energy. The new university will also establish a policy think tank to influence strategic decisions in the field of energy, environment, and sustainability on a global scale.

Isis Innovation will be engaged as a lead consultant to advise on the creation of an ‘Innovation Centre’ to facilitate translation of knowledge from the university. It will also make expertise available through visiting and guest faculty members who will act as consultants, via Oxford University Consulting, working with industry leaders and world experts in designing the university's curriculum, and helping to build international partnerships.

Tom Hockaday, managing director of Isis Innovation, said: “Isis is excited to be providing advice for the formation of this unique and innovative institution. We look forward to sourcing the expertise that will create a strong intellectual and process foundation for the university, drawing on experts from the University of Oxford and others, and we will support technology transfer staff at the new university with international placements.”

Parag Shah, Gujarat entrepreneur and Whistling Group chairman, said: “The new university's objective is to create a world-class education, research and innovation ecosystem in India. We are very pleased to be in knowledge partnership with Isis Innovation and to be advised by experts from the University of Oxford. Our university will focus on providing cutting-edge education in the energy, environment, management, law and technology domains. It will be the first of its kind in Asia, and its campus will be completely sustainable and carbon neutral.”

Loren Griffith, director of international strategy at Oxford University, said: "Oxford University has no plans in the foreseeable future to offer full degree courses anywhere other than Oxford itself, and so has no plans to establish an overseas campus. However, the university has identified increasing global cooperation as a key objective of its 2013-2018 strategic plan. This agreement between the Whistling Group and Isis will broaden overseas ties. We anticipate that the project will make a positive contribution to providing energy security for India."