NEW DELHI:- Cape Breton University has concluded one of its largest India outreach programmes, spanning multiple cities including New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, as the Canadian institution intensifies its focus on long-term academic partnerships and talent mobility between India and Canada.
Led by David C. Dingwall, the visit focused on strengthening institutional collaborations, hybrid learning pathways, and research-driven academic engagement. The outreach programme also highlighted a broader strategic transition from traditional student recruitment towards co-created academic ecosystems and long-term educational partnerships.
During the visit, CBU signed multiple agreements with leading Indian institutions. A five-year MoU was formalised with BML Munjal University to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, and academic conference collaborations. The university also strengthened its India presence through a strategic partnership with the National Economic Forum, which will serve as CBU’s official convening partner in India for institutional and government engagements.
CBU further expanded its academic network by formalising partnerships with LJ University in Gujarat, while holding discussions with Parul University and Navrachna University around student mobility and jointly developed academic programmes. In Hyderabad, the delegation engaged with leadership teams from Institute of Management Technology and NALSAR University of Law to explore collaborative research, talent exchange, and the rollout of 2+2 academic models.
The visit also involved high-level government engagements in Delhi and Gujarat. President Dingwall met Ashish Sood to discuss the role of artificial intelligence, startup ecosystems, affordable housing, and the proposed “Educity” initiative in the national capital. CBU expressed interest in contributing through Community Economic Development-focused academic pathways.
In Gujarat, the delegation met Harsh Sanghavi to discuss workforce-aligned talent pipelines for sectors including semiconductors, renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and the evolving requirements of GIFT City. The Gujarat government also invited CBU to explore collaboration opportunities linked to the Dholera Special Investment Region.
A key focus across engagements remained hybrid learning models that would allow Indian students to complete part of their education in India before transitioning to CBU’s campus in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Programmes attracting strong interest include Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, and Hospitality & Tourism Management.
The outreach comes amid improving diplomatic engagement between India and Canada and reflects CBU’s broader strategy of building future-focused academic corridors centred on innovation, research collaboration, and global talent development.
