KPMG India and NICMAR University partner to develop future-ready CRIP talent

KPMG in India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NICMAR University, Pune, to jointly nurture future-ready talent and drive innovation in the Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Project (CRIP) sectors. The partnership seeks to bridge the academia-industry gap by offering integrated learning opportunities that blend academic rigour with real-world expertise.

The collaboration focuses on three key areas:

• Tailored talent pool: Co-developing programs aligned with industry needs to create graduates who are not only academically strong but also business-ready.

• Integrated learning: Providing practical exposure through consulting, projects, and hands-on experiences that accelerate career growth.

• Strategic empowerment: Building leadership, innovation, and sustainability as core competencies within the CRIP sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Reena Wahi, Partner and Head of People, Performance and Culture, KPMG in India, said:

“The future of work demands agile and innovative talent that is attuned to industry realities. Our collaboration with NICMAR is a strategic step towards nurturing such professionals by co-developing programmes that provide students with an integrated learning experience and help them thrive in the CRIP sector.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Jonardan Koner, Professor and Dean – Career Services, International Affairs and Alumni Relations, NICMAR University, Pune, said:

“This MoU represents a new chapter in bridging academia and industry. Together, we aim to provide our students with global perspectives, transformative learning opportunities, and real-world insights that will shape them into tomorrow’s leaders.”

The KPMG–NICMAR initiative reflects a growing trend in India’s education ecosystem where corporates and academic institutions co-create value by focusing not just on employability but on developing leadership skills and industry innovation.