IIIT Hyderabad and KIET partner to launch smart city lab for real-world urban innovation

IIIT Hyderabad and Kakinada Institute of Engineering and Technology (KIET) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Smart City Living Lab on the KIET campus. The partnership aims to create a research-driven environment for deploying and testing smart city technologies, directly supporting Kakinada’s broader Smart City Mission.

The MoU was signed at KIET in the presence of Kakinada District Collector Sagili Shan Mohan and other dignitaries. The lab will function as a practical sandbox for smart city innovations, offering a space for experimentation, collaboration, and scalable solutions. The initiative also includes the launch of an integrated net-zero dashboard, marking a move towards environmentally responsible urban planning.

Through the collaboration, the KIET campus will serve as a live testbed to validate real-world urban solutions in areas such as water supply, crowd monitoring, and digital twin models. The lab will support multiple activities including research-based learning, internships, knowledge sharing, and joint project execution.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Anuradha Vattem, Chief Technology Architect at IIIT Hyderabad, emphasized that the Living Lab model enables academic institutions to move beyond theoretical work and co-develop solutions that address current urban issues. She added that such partnerships empower students and researchers to engage directly with city infrastructure and contribute to real-world improvements.

During the meeting, IIITH researchers showcased technologies including crowd monitoring, digital twin systems for water distribution, and a City IoT Operating Platform (ctOP). The District Collector responded positively, expressing interest in exploring proof-of-concept (PoC) projects within the district based on these technologies.

Mr. PV Viswam, Founder Chairman of KIET, signed the MoU on behalf of the institution, reinforcing the college’s commitment to combining education with practical problem-solving. The collaboration is expected to open new avenues for students and faculty while helping local authorities make data-driven decisions.

The lab will also facilitate workshops and training programs to build capacity in emerging urban technologies. These efforts are aimed at equipping the next generation of engineers and urban planners with the tools needed to support India’s smart city goals.

This joint initiative between IIIT Hyderabad, KIET, and the local government sets the stage for scalable, sustainable urban innovation, and creates a framework where academic insights can be translated into impactful urban development solutions.