Chennai: The city-based Rs5,200-crore Murugappa group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) for undertaking joint research. This is the first time IIT-M will join hands with aa corporate house to undertake joint research. The MoU was signed by M M Murugappan, group director, Technology, Murugappa group and Dr V Kalyanaraman, dean, industrial consultancy and sponsored research, IIT-M.

The Murugappa group- IIT-M linkage will enable the 18 companies of the Murugappa group to undertake research in ten areas ranging from material sciences to manufacturing technology.

"The Murugappa group, through this agreement, will improve its technological strengths and sustain its competitiveness in the emerging global business scenario," remarks M M Murugappan.

The technologies developed within the group include chromising of steel parts, sol gel for abrasives and ceramic colours, plasma coating of ceramics, organic manure, neem-based pesticide and spirulina from algae.