PDEU: Shaping India's Energy And Semiconductor Future

How a university is redefining the boundaries between academia, innovation, and industry

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Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) has emerged as one of the few institutions in India that seamlessly blends education, research, and industrial practice. Focused on critical sectors such as energy, semiconductors, and sustainability, PDEU has built a strong reputation for driving innovation with purpose. Under the leadership of Prof. Sundar S. Manoharan, Director General of PDEU, the university is pioneering a model where education, research, and manufacturing converge to create a new generation of future-ready professionals.

We spoke with Dr. Manoharan to understand how PDEU is bridging the gap between education, industry, and policy, while contributing to India's larger mission of energy transition, technological self-reliance, and sustainability.

PDEU is not a traditional university. You focus on some of the most crucial sectors in India right now energy, semiconductors, petroleum, and renewables. So, are you an institution or are you an industry?

That's a good question especially in light of our COP28 discussions and our Hon'ble Prime Minister's declaration for India to achieve net zero by 2070. With the vision for Viksit Bharat, we are moving towards clean, green, and sustainable energy. In that context, having a university dedicated to the energy sector gives us a unique focus compared to conventional universities.

At PDEU, our journey began with petroleum, but over the years, we've expanded our scope to renewables. Today, PDEU is at the forefront of multiple renewable verticals, while also focusing on management, technology, and the liberal arts, creating a truly multidisciplinary institution.