Merck has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to develop future-ready talent for the healthcare sector.
Launch of ‘Catalyst’ Training Programme
On this occasion, Merck Healthcare R&D India also launched its flagship programme, Catalyst, at MAHE. This structured three-month training initiative is designed to equip students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge. Moreover, subject matter experts from Merck will conduct dedicated sessions to prepare students for real-world roles in critical research and development domains.
Leveraging Academic Strengths for Skill Development
As reported by Biospectrum India, the programme will be delivered through MAHE’s academic ecosystem. In addition, it will leverage the university’s interdisciplinary strengths and diverse student base across health sciences, life sciences, and allied fields. As a result, students will gain exposure to both academic rigor and applied industry practices.
Industry Perspective on the Collaboration
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Suneela Thatte, Vice President and Head of Merck Healthcare R&D India, stated that the partnership reflects Merck’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic excellence and industry relevance. Furthermore, she noted that similar collaborations with institutions such as JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research and Dayananda Sagar University have delivered encouraging outcomes. Therefore, Merck aims to build on this momentum through its collaboration with MAHE.
Academic Leadership Emphasizes Future-Ready Talent
The signing ceremony was also attended by Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), and Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE. Dr. Rao emphasized that such collaborations are central to MAHE’s vision of building a future-ready talent ecosystem. He added that bringing industry closer to the classroom enables students to engage with real-world challenges, emerging technologies, and global research practices. Consequently, the Catalyst programme represents a significant step toward preparing students for impactful careers in healthcare R&D.
Expanding Talent Development Across India
As part of its broader commitment to advancing innovation in healthcare research, Merck continues to strengthen external collaborations. Currently, the company has established partnerships with eight academic institutions across India, including MAHE. Through these initiatives, Merck aims to build a sustainable talent pipeline while reinforcing its role in supporting innovation within India’s healthcare and academic ecosystem.