In a significant boost to engineering education and industry-academia collaboration, KLS Gogte Institute of Technology (KLS GIT), Belagavi, has inaugurated its Centre of Excellence in Precision Engineering, introducing a first-of-its-kind Factory on Campus initiative in the region.
The state-of-the-art facility has been established to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial practice by providing students, startups, and industry partners with access to AI-enabled, industry-grade manufacturing technologies within the campus itself.
The initiative aims to equip students with practical manufacturing experience before graduation, enabling them to work with advanced production systems, precision engineering tools, and modern digital manufacturing technologies. The institute believes that such hands-on exposure will help students build confidence, enhance their technical skills, and become industry-ready from day one of their professional careers.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat, Managing Director & CEO of Karnataka Bank Limited, praised the initiative, stating that industry-supported academic programmes play a crucial role in developing competent professionals. He appreciated KLS GIT for creating an ecosystem that effectively integrates education with industrial practice.
Shri Sudarshan Mogasale, CEO of Dassault Systèmes Solutions Lab, India, highlighted the importance of providing students in Tier-2 cities with access to advanced digital manufacturing technologies. He noted that such initiatives will help create a globally competitive workforce for India’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Shri Rajeev Kaul, Managing Director & CEO of Aequs Limited, Belagavi, observed that today’s manufacturing industry increasingly demands engineers with practical industrial exposure. He said initiatives like the Factory on Campus will significantly reduce the gap between academia and industry.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Pradeep Sawkar, President of The Karnataka Law Society, emphasised that educational institutions must continuously evolve by embracing emerging technologies and strengthening industrial partnerships to nurture globally competent engineers capable of driving innovation.
Shri Rajendra K. Belgaumkar, Chairman of the Governing Council, KLS GIT, said the Factory on Campus model will provide students with continuous exposure to industrial practices, enabling them to contribute effectively from the very first day of their professional careers.
The launch of the Centre of Excellence marks a major milestone for KLS GIT and reinforces Belagavi’s growing reputation as an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, engineering innovation, and industry-driven education.
