Nemetschek India and Anna University Inaugurate AEC Centre of Excellence to Bridge Academia-Industry Gap!

In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing the future of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) education in India, Nemetschek India, in collaboration with Anna University, has inaugurated the Anna–Nemetschek AEC Centre of Excellence at the Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant stride in aligning academic training with industry requirements and is set to become a vital hub for research, innovation, and digital skill development in the AEC domain.

The Centre of Excellence was inaugurated on July 15, 2025, by Dr. P. Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, alongside distinguished dignitaries including Sunil Pandita, Chief Division Officer, Nemetschek Group; Prof. S. Kanmani, Head of the Civil Engineering Department; Nirmalya Chatterjee, Managing Director, Nemetschek India; and senior faculty members of Anna University.

Established under an MoU signed earlier this year, the Centre is designed to provide students from Anna University and its affiliated institutions access to industry-aligned training, certification programs, and advanced AEC software tools. These initiatives aim to cultivate industry-ready talent by exposing students to real-world applications, digital technologies, and hands-on learning experiences.

During the launch, Sunil Pandita emphasized that the partnership is a significant step in building a future-ready AEC workforce in India. He noted that by closely working with academic institutions like Anna University, Nemetschek is committed to bridging the skill gap and fostering a new generation of digitally empowered engineers and architects.

Prof. S. Kanmani echoed this sentiment, adding that the Centre will enhance student learning by integrating practical training and modern technologies into the academic curriculum. He highlighted its potential to open new opportunities for research collaborations and industry engagement.

Dr. P. Thiaga Rajan, in his social media message, praised the initiative as a perfect example of academia, industry, and government coming together to shape the future of education. He underlined the role of AI, ML, and IT in transforming traditional learning models and applauded Nemetschek for offering its entire software suite free to students, accelerating innovation and learning. Backed by the ICT Academy of Tamil Nadu, the Centre is expected to evolve into a key resource for civil and architectural education, supporting the development of national infrastructure and talent.

To ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of training programs, Nemetschek India will work in collaboration with ICT Academy as its implementation partner, bringing structured learning models to both students and faculty.

This initiative is a part of Nemetschek Group’s global mission to empower education and support the digital transformation of the AEC sector. With over 7 million users and operations in more than 100 countries, the Group is a global leader in AEC/O software. Following its launch in India last year, the company is now targeting a 15–20% market share in the AEC software segment, actively contributing to India’s fast-growing infrastructure ecosystem.

The Anna–Nemetschek AEC Centre of Excellence marks a new chapter in integrating academic excellence with technological innovation, ensuring that future AEC professionals are equipped with the skills and tools necessary to drive India’s next wave of infrastructure development.