Anant National University, a pioneering DesignX University located in Ahmedabad, India, has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This collaboration fosters innovation and community involvement in various fields including media and entertainment, arts and product design, health research, and entrepreneurship endeavors. Notably, this partnership makes Anant the first university in India to partner with the da Vinci Center Shift Retail Lab, an initiative by Virginia Commonwealth University that aims to transform entrepreneurship education for students, alumni, and community entrepreneurs.
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by notable representatives from both universities. VCU was represented by Dr. Michael Rao, the President; Dr. Jill Blondin, the Associate Vice Provost for Global Initiatives; and Dr. Garret Westlake, the Associate Vice Provost for Innovation and Executive Director of the da Vinci Center for Innovation. The event also welcomed Shri Amrutbhai Patel, former Gujarat State Chief Information Commissioner, along with Anant community members, comprising faculty, administrators, and students.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr.AnunayaChaubey, Provost, Anant National University said, “We are very excited about this collaboration, as it is founded on the shared values, vision and purpose of the two institutions. VCU and Anant are committed to serving the community, changing lives for the better and making a global impact.”
Highlighting the significance of the collaboration Dr. Michael Rao, President of Virginia Commonwealth University, said, “Anant and VCU share similar synergy and the desire to make an impact. I am confident that this collaboration will devise solutions to problems that truly matter and do great things.”
The partnership between Anant and VCU highlights a shared dedication to nurturing creativity, innovation, and practical learning. Both institutions prioritize interdisciplinary cooperation, research, and community involvement, with the goal of connecting academic and cultural differences and creating fresh insights and global viewpoints.In line with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing the significance of internationalization, this partnership strives to boost global competitiveness and draw in international students. By incorporating global knowledge systems, the collaboration will elevate the standard of higher education in India. Through faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research endeavors, and entrepreneurial projects, Anant and VCU aim to enhance educational experiences, benefit local communities, and nurture substantial academic and professional development.
