May 9 (BNP): The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) to train 500 officers in Artificial Intelligence (AI), aiming to modernise coal operations and strengthen data-driven decision-making across the organisation.
The agreement was formalised by Keshav Rao, Director (HR), MCL, and Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, in the presence of senior officials including MCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Uday Anant Kaole and IIM Sambalpur faculty representatives.
Under the collaboration, officers from various departments will be trained in AI applications to improve core areas such as coal production, business development, operational efficiency, and process management. The initiative is expected to help MCL integrate advanced technologies into its day-to-day functioning and long-term planning.
Speaking on the partnership, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal said IIM Sambalpur is focused on preparing leaders for a technology-driven future. He added that the collaboration reflects a shared vision of using AI and machine learning to transform traditional industries through innovation, skill development, and strategic capability building.
MCL leadership also highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to make the organisation more future-ready by adopting digital tools and modern management practices.
Notably, IIM Sambalpur is among the pioneering institutions globally to introduce AI education across its entire student cohort, integrating it into all areas of management learning.
The partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening industry–academia collaboration and accelerating digital transformation in India’s coal sector, particularly within Coal India Limited subsidiaries like MCL.
