BITS Pilani is considering setting up a specialised competency centre in Gujarat, with a proposed focus on the state’s strong chemicals sector. The facility is expected to involve an estimated investment of ₹20 crore to ₹30 crore and could be announced soon.
BITS Pilani Group Vice-Chancellor Prof. V Ramgopal Rao said the institute is exploring competency centres in different cities of Gujarat based on the strengths and requirements of their respective industrial clusters. A centre dedicated to the chemical industry is among the proposals being actively considered.
Rao was in Ahmedabad on Friday to attend the BITS Alumni Association (BITSAA) Annual Day 2026. It was his first visit to the city since taking charge as Group Vice-Chancellor.
BITS’ competency centres are specialised, industry-focused facilities developed to meet the needs of specific industrial clusters. Unlike conventional university campuses, these centres are intended to provide companies with access to specialised infrastructure and academic expertise for research, technology development, testing and other industry-related activities.
The proposed Gujarat centres could strengthen collaboration between industry and academia while supporting research and technology development in key sectors.