The University of Salford and Indian IT giant Tech Mahindra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on projects, including work on smart cities.

Tech Mahindra employs over 110,000 people and has offices in more than 60 countries. Students from Salford will be able to get involved in its projects, thanks to the agreement signed at the recent Manchester India Business Summit.

Helen Marshall, vice-chancellor of the University of Salford said: “To sign this agreement with such a huge world-wide company is fantastic news for Salford.

“Our key goal is to work closely with industry to develop our curriculum and ensure that our graduates are job-ready when they leave us.

“We will also be looking at research and other collaboration opportunities. We have skills and expertise that can be shared to benefit both parties — and society as whole.”

Ashish Pandey, client executive at Tech Mahindra Salford, said key areas that the MoU will cover include ‘tech’ transformation projects and creating connected experiences for smart cities using automation, plus the Internet of Things, virtual reality and augmented reality.

“By plugging into research and tech talent at Salford University, we can share resources and skills to improve the standard of research we undertake.

“We have been really impressed by the outlook of the university and how it sees ‘tech’ as fundamental to its teaching, its students and its future.”