Punjabi University and PI-RAHI sign MoU to strengthen S&T artisan ecosystem in Punjab

Chandigarh, 11 March 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening collaboration and outreach in areas related to traditional artefacts, post-harvest technologies and pharmaceutical sciences, PI-RAHI (Panjab University – IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation, the Northern Region S&T Cluster, and Punjabi University, Patiala have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration will also focus on skill development, research and innovation, in line with the vision of the Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, who has encouraged greater inter-university cooperation and knowledge sharing among academic institutions across the state.
The MoU was signed in the presence of PU Vice Chancellor and Chairperson of PI-RAHI Prof. Renu Vig and Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagdeep Singh. The agreement was formally signed by Prof. Davinder Pal Singh, Registrar, Punjabi University, and Prof. Rajat Sandhir, Director, PI-RAHI, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions. 
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Renu Vig highlighted that the MoU would create a strong platform for collaboration between two established academic institutions in the region. She noted that Punjab is home to a rich cultural heritage, including traditional crafts such as Phulkari embroidery and other indigenous art forms, and that institutional collaboration can help preserve these traditions while creating new economic opportunities for artisans through innovation and improved market access.
Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagdeep Singh said the partnership would help empower Punjabi artisans and rural communities by integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology, research and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Representatives from both institutions present at the event included Prof. Himender Bharti, Director, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Career Hub (EICH), Punjabi University; Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Advisor, PI-RAHI; and Ms. Neha Arora, Chief Operating Officer, PI-RAHI, along with other officials from the two delegations.
During the signing ceremony, it was emphasised that the collaboration would strengthen interdisciplinary research, foster student and faculty engagement, and support the preservation of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage while advancing innovation in food processing, packaging and rural enterprise development.
Under the partnership, PI-RAHI and Punjabi University will undertake several collaborative initiatives. These include the adoption of “Kalanubhav”, a decentralised online marketplace platform designed to provide artisans with direct access to markets. Artisans from Punjab will be onboarded on the platform to enhance the visibility and market opportunities for traditional crafts.
The collaboration will also support innovation and development initiatives in pharmaceutical sciences, agricultural technology, sustainable agriculture, agri-value chains, food processing, packaging technologies and rural livelihoods.
In addition, the two institutions will organise skill development and capacity-building programmes for artisans, students and rural entrepreneurs to enhance employability and strengthen local value chains. The partnership will also promote collaborative research and innovation platforms that bring together academic expertise, industry partners and community stakeholders to address regional development challenges.