SOA signs MoU with Broadridge to strengthen industry-academia collaboration

Bhubaneswar, June 18: Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday with Broadridge Financial Solutions, a global fintech leader, to deepen academic-industry collaboration in the areas of financial technology and innovation.

The MoU was formally inked by SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda and Ritu Rakhra, HR Head of Broadridge India, in the presence of senior representatives from both organizations.

As part of the event, Broadridge conducted interactive sessions with students, offering insights into emerging fintech trends, evolving career prospects, and the changing dynamics of essential professional skills.

Broadridge, known for nurturing young talent through campus engagement, innovation challenges, mentoring, and skill development initiatives, sees this partnership as a step toward empowering future professionals with real-world knowledge. The collaboration complements SOA’s focus on bridging the gap between theoretical education and industry expectations.

Under the agreement, both entities will work together to enhance industry-relevant training programs by integrating the latest tools and practices, organizing expert-led workshops, guest lectures, mentoring initiatives, and offering students opportunities for internships and career advancement.

“This partnership underscores SOA’s consistent efforts to create meaningful industry connections and equip students with practical, job-ready skills,” said Prof. Nanda.

Rakhra expressed enthusiasm about the tie-up, stating that Broadridge is committed to fostering innovation and nurturing future talent through active collaboration with academic institutions.

Highlighting SOA’s broader strategic efforts, Ripti Ranjan Dash, Director of Corporate Relations and Industry Engagement at SOA, noted that the university continues to build such alliances across sectors to ensure students gain hands-on experience and develop market-relevant skills.

“The MoU reaffirms our dedication to developing professionals who are ready to meet industry challenges beyond the traditional curriculum,” Dash added.

Prof. Nanda concluded by emphasizing that the collaboration is expected to significantly boost employability, promote applied research, and encourage innovation-led education—setting a strong precedent for impactful academia-industry partnerships in the region.

“Our goal is to blend SOA’s academic strength with Broadridge’s global fintech expertise to create a pipeline of future-ready professionals, equipped with practical skills and an innovative mindset,” he said.