Campus Times | Lucknow

In a significant step towards strengthening research and innovation in safe drinking water technologies, Lucknow University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mercury International Private Limited. The collaboration is designed to combine academic expertise with industry driven technological solutions to address challenges related to water quality, sustainability and public health.

Under the partnership, both institutions will work on research, technology development and innovation focused on advanced water purification systems. The initiative also seeks to create opportunities for students and researchers to engage with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) enabled solutions for water management.

Mercury International Private Limited Director Durgesh Rai said the company has been developing AI powered technologies for safe drinking water and plans to extend technical support for research and community focused initiatives under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. He added that the company objective is to encourage innovation that helps deliver safe, high quality drinking water to communities through modern technology.

Rai also stated that the company has been associated with standards and quality related work for nearly three decades and has been actively engaged in developing advanced technologies for the water sector. According to him, the company has also been working with government agencies on drinking water-related projects.

Welcoming the collaboration, Lucknow University Vice Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini said the agreement marks an important milestone for the university second campus. He noted that the partnership would strengthen research capabilities, encourage technological innovation and provide students and scholars with exposure to cutting edge solutions in the field of water management.

University Works Superintendent Dr. Shyamlesh Tiwari said the proposed technology has the potential to significantly improve access to purified drinking water on the campus and could help address water supply challenges for thousands of users.

Both institutions expressed confidence that the collaboration would contribute to advancements in water conservation, scientific research and sustainable development while supporting broader public welfare goals. The MoU is also expected to serve as a model for stronger collaboration between academia and industry in developing technology driven solutions for critical environmental and public health challenges.

The signing ceremony was attended by University Registrar Dr. Bhawana Mishra, faculty members and university staff, who welcomed the initiative.