Abertay University in the UK and École Intuit Lab in India signed a partnership agreement during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, promoting collaboration in academic, research,
and innovation expertise within the video games design sector. This agreement, signed on
January 10, aims to facilitate joint research, innovation plans, and collaborative degree
programs between Dundee and Mumbai. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was
signed by Naman Merchant from Abertay’s School of Design and Informatics and Yan Garin,
Country Head & Director at École Intuit Lab, Mumbai.

The agreement outlines a commitment to explore joint research projects, mentorship
opportunities, work experiences, student articulation, and cultural exchanges between the
two institutions. The partnership aligns with the ongoing trade visit led by the UK
Government Minister of State for the Middle East and South Asia, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of
Wimbledon, focusing on strengthening trade and innovation partnerships between the UK
and India.

Abertay’s School of Design and Informatics, located in Dundee, is globally recognized as a
hub for video game design. Dundee’s gaming collection houses established studios, SMEs, and start-ups, boasting more game developers per capita than any other UK location. École Intuit Lab, with campuses in Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bengaluru, is a leading provider of video game design education in India. The country is experiencing significant growth in its video games market, with an estimated 400 million active gamers.

This partnership aims to provide mentorship and work experience opportunities for
students through collaboration with local gaming industry partners. Both institutions will
explore joint research projects to address industry challenges faced in both countries. Lord
Ahmad stressed the importance of sharing best practices in teaching and research in the
video games sector, a critical factor of creative industries.

Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Abertay University, expressed
enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to add significant value to both
Dundee and Mumbai. Yan Garin of École Intuit Lab also stated the collaboration’s
significance in offering students a diverse learning experience and cultivating a new
generation of professionals for the gaming industry.