Interdisciplinary Advanced Research Center for Transformative Technologies (IARCT²)

Mahindra University – Virginia Tech (MU- VT)

Interdisciplinary Advanced Research Center for Transformative Technologies (IARCT²)

Mahindra University announces the launch of applications for the January 2026 intake of its prestigious Ph.D. programme, offered in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The Mahindra University–Virginia Tech Interdisciplinary Advanced Research Center for Transformative Technologies (IARCT²) is a collaborative research center focused on emerging and frontier technologies. The programme provides research scholars access to world-class laboratories, interdisciplinary mentorship, and co-supervision by Virginia Tech faculty.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  • Computational Linguistics for deciphering Ancient Indian scripts (and solving a Global Challenge)
  • Computer Vision and Deep Learning
  • Computer Vision and Explainable Al
  • Object motion analysis in complex and degraded environment
  • Reinforcement Learning for Millimeter Wave Communication
  • Generative Al and Neuroscience
  • Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/ME/XR)
  • Generative Al for (bio-) materials design

  • Artificial intelligence particularly Evolutionary Algorithms, Diffusion Models, Signal Processing, Music Theory especially on Indian Music-1 PHD

  • Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/MR/XR)
  • Machine-learned potentials for molecular dynamics simulation
  • Quantum enhanced generative methods for inverse design of metamaterials
  • Computational Linguistics for deciphering Ancient Indian scripts (and solving a Global Challenge)
  • Computer Vision and Deep Learning
  • Computer Vision and Explainable Al
  • Object motion analysis in complex and degraded environment
  • Reinforcement Learning for Millimeter Wave Communication
  • Generative Al and Neuroscience
  • Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/ME/XR)
  • Generative Al for (bio-) materials design
  • Artificial intelligence particularly Evolutionary Algorithms, Signal Processing, Music Theory especially on Indian Music-1 PHD
  • Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/MR/XR)
  • Machine-learned potentials for molecular dynamics simulation
  • Quantum enhanced generative methods for inverse design of metamaterials
Smart & Connected Cities
  • Precast Concrete, Self-Sensing Materials, Structural Health Monitoring
  • Precast Concrete, Nanomaterials, Self-healing materials
  • Transportation planning and urban mobility
  • Traffic safety, V2V and V2I communications
  • Operations Research/Industrial engineering, Transportation Logistics, loT Systems
  • Geoinformatics, Urban planning/Analytics, Environmental Engineering, IoT Systems, Software Engineering
  • Geotechnical – C&D waste, sustainable materials
  • Chemistry/Chemical engineering
Biomarkers Discovery: Early Detection & Biotherapeutics
  • Antibody Engineering
  • EVs & RNAi Therapeutics
  • Computational Biology
Energy & Water Nexus
  • Nanomaterials for high performance supercapacitors

Mission

The broad charter of the MU-VT Interdisciplinary Advance Research Center for Transformative Technologies (IARCT2) is to harness the creative talent at Mahindra University to advance interdisciplinary and collaborative research at the nexus of engineering, the physical,  life, and social sciences, and the humanities.

Entrepreneurial and dynamic in nature, it will foster a proactive, responsive, and agile research culture, driving transformative ideas that push the boundaries of science, technology, positioning MU as a global leader in discovery and problem-solving.

Values

Consistent with the value system of MU, IARCT2   will be guided by the following core values and unwavering ethical standards

  • Excellence: This principle underpins everything that we do. Our objective is to be among the top three research institutions in all our efforts.

  • Faculty-focus: Our strength as an institute depends on the quality of MU’s faculty and on our ability to support them in their transformational interdisciplinary research efforts.

  • Nimbleness: We must be constantly on the lookout for the “next big thing” and must be ready to position the center to exploit the opportunities offered. We must be proactive in identifying and creating these opportunities and responsive to changing circumstances.

  • Metrics: Our decisions will be informed and guided by measures of scholarly, societal, and financial impact.

Definitions

Thrust Area

A thrust area at Mahindra University represents a strategic domain of interdisciplinary research aimed at advancing science, engineering, and technology to address societal and industrial challenges. These areas align with the university’s existing strengths and vision of fostering innovation, sustainable development, and global excellence, with a focus on delivering transformative solutions that contribute to India’s growth and its leadership in emerging technologies.

Approved Thrust Areas
  • Bio Sensors-Detection and Biotherapeutics
  • Smart and connected cities
  • Water and Energy Nexus
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Platform Technology

A platform technology is a core technological foundation that supports the center in creation of a broad spectrum of applications, enabling cross-disciplinary solutions and fostering collaborative innovation.

  • Characterization
  • Computation
  • Instrumentation
  • Advance Materials
Unencumbered Research/ Black Swan Technologies

Unencumbered or curiosity-driven research refers to exploratory investigations motivated by a desire to advance knowledge without predefined applications or immediate goals. It emphasizes intellectual freedom, encouraging researchers to pursue questions of fundamental importance and uncover novel insights that may lead to Black Swan breakthroughs in the future.

Approved Black
  • Resilience Through Voluntary Hardship
  • Exploring the pathway of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)secretion in adult’s urine: towards innovative biosensordevelopment and therapeutic strategies
  • Magnetoelectric Sensor Framework for Painless Muscle Health Moni

  • A Digital Prototype of a Net-zero Living Building (NLB) for Mahindra University CaA Digital Prototype of a Net-zero Living Building (NLB) for Mahindra University Campusmpus

  • Anderson Localization in Disordered Photonics Time Crystals and Amplifications

Specialized areas in which Ph.D. students, if found suitable, would be admitted in Spring 2026 semester ( Jan’26 Intake )

Smart and Connected Cities.

  • Precast Concrete, Self-Sensing Materials, Structural Health Monitoring
  • Precast Concrete, Nanomaterials, Self-healing materials
  • Transportation planning and urban mobility
  • Traffic safety, V2V and V2I communications
  • Operations Research/Industrial engineering, Transportation Logistics, IoT Systems
  • Geoinformatics, Urban planning/Analytics, Environmental Engineering, IoT Systems, Software Engineering
  • Geotechnical – C&D waste, sustainable materials
  • Chemistry/Chemical engineering

Energy and water Nexus

  • Nano materials for high performance supercapacitors

Biomarkers Discovery: Early Detection & Biotherapeutics

  • Antibody Engineering,
  • EVs & RNAi Therapeutics,
  • Computational Biology

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

  • Computational Linguistics for deciphering Ancient Indian scripts (and solving a Global Challenge
  • Computer Vision and Deep Learning-
  • Computer Vision and Explainable AI
  • Object motion analysis in complex and degraded environment
  • Reinforcement Learning for Millimeter Wave Communication
  • Generative AI and Neuroscienc
  • Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/MR/XR)
  • Generative AI for (bio-) materials design
  • Artificial Intelligence particularly Evolutionary Algorithms, Diffusion Models, Signal Processing, Music Theory especially on Indian Music
  • Machine-learned potentials for molecular dynamics simulations
  • Quantum enhanced generative methods for inverse design of meta materials

Important Dates

Last Date for submission of applications 31st Oct, 2025
Shortlisting of candidates for interview 10th Nov, 2025
Ph.D. Entrance Test / Interview 22nd Nov, 2025
Announcement of Results 1st Dec, 2025
Commencement of the Spring 2026 Semester Teaching 15th Jan, 2026

Note: All Ph.D. students will, where appropriate, be co-supervised by a faculty member from Virginia Tech.

Contact : 040 67135103
Mail ID: admissions@mahindrauniversity.edu.in