The College of Engineering in Pune (COEP) hosted the academic conference with the Consul General of Finland in Mumbai, Mr Erik af Hällström who briefed about the various opportunities in Finland.
The Heads of department at the COEP presented their specialities and their proposals for further collaborations with Finland.
India and Finland have cultivated a robust partnership since establishing diplomatic relations in 1949. Over the decades, this relationship has expanded to encompass various sectors, including education, technology, and sustainability.
Educational Collaborations
Education stands as a cornerstone of the India-Finland partnership. Both nations have engaged in numerous initiatives to enhance educational exchanges and collaborations:
Institutional Partnerships: Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between Finnish universities and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to facilitate faculty exchanges and joint research projects, fostering a mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Collaborations in Pune
Pune, recognized as an educational hub in India, has been a focal point for Indo-Finnish educational collaborations:
The Academy School (TAS) and CCE Finland: In 2021, CCE Finland partnered with The Academy School in Pune to develop a Finnish curriculum school. This collaboration aimed to blend Finnish educational practices with local teaching methodologies, providing students with a holistic learning experience.
Council for Creative Education (CCE) Initiatives: CCE Finland has established partnerships with several educational institutions in Pune, including Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School and MIT College. These collaborations focus on integrating creative educational practices and fostering innovation in teaching methodologies.
Technological Collaborations
Beyond education, Pune has also been a center for technological collaborations between India and Finland:
C-DAC and Finnish Partnership: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune has collaborated with Finnish entities to advance quantum computing projects. This partnership aims to integrate high-performance computing with quantum technologies, leveraging Finland’s expertise in developing quantum processors.
India EU Trade Council hosted the Consul General and other delegates for lunch interaction with various businessmen and the trade community of Pune City.
The collaboration between India and Finland, particularly in the educational and technological sectors, exemplifies a successful partnership built on shared values and mutual goals. Pune’s active participation in these collaborations highlights the city’s role as a catalyst for educational and technological innovation, contributing significantly to the strengthening of Indo-Finnish relations.
The introduction was given by Mr Sujit Nair, the chairman of the EICBI (Europe India Centee for Business Industry), followed by other experts on India Finland relations. The President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) Dr. Asif Iqbal also gave his remarks and thanked COEP for their collaborative approach with Finland. Dr Sachin kate welcomed the delegation in Pune city and expressed his willingness to promote Pune City as a hub for international partnerships and collaborations.
