Prof. Rengith Baby Kuriakose, Associate Professor: Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has reinforced its position as a globally connected university of technology after securing a prestigious European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Higher Education Initiative project valued at approximately €1.74 million. The achievement, led by Prof. Rengith Baby Kuriakose, positions CUT among an elite international consortium of universities and industry partners driving the next generation of deep technology, artificial intelligence (AI), engineering education and research commercialisation.

Awarded under the 2025 EIT Higher Education Initiative Call for Proposals, the AVIAT-STEM (Advanced Hybrid Aviation Propulsion Systems for Deep Tech Excellence and STEM Transformation in Higher Education Institutions) project will accelerate innovation in hybrid aviation, artificial intelligence, digital twins, entrepreneurship and STEM education.

The consortium, coordinated by Aalen University of Applied Sciences in Germany, brings together leading universities, industry and innovation partners from Europe and South Africa. Representing CUT, Prof. Kuriakose, Cluster Leader for Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics in the Centre for Sustainable Smart Cities (CSSC), will lead the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin work package, showcasing the university's internationally recognised expertise in these fields.

The award represents a significant milestone for both Prof. Kuriakose and CUT, further elevating the international research profile of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBIT) while creating new opportunities for global collaboration, innovation and postgraduate research.

Reflecting on the achievement, Prof Kuriakose said "this achievement is both a personal and professional milestone. While I am honoured to lead the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin work package, it reflects the collective efforts of my research team and postgraduate students, whose dedication over the years has helped establish CUT's expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

"Professionally, this project recognises the research capacity we have built at our university through collaboration, mentorship and impactful research. It provides an opportunity to showcase our work on a global platform while creating new opportunities for our students and researchers to collaborate with leading international universities and industry partners. More importantly, it demonstrates that world-class research can be developed in South Africa through teamwork, innovation and a shared commitment to solving real-world challenges."

As part of the consortium, CUT will develop intelligent digital twin platforms that use artificial intelligence and real-time data to monitor, simulate and optimise hybrid electric propulsion systems. The university's expertise in AI, Digital Twins, Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 will contribute to cutting-edge engineering solutions while strengthening applied research, postgraduate supervision and technology transfer to ensure research outcomes translate into practical industrial impact.

The project will also create transformative opportunities for students and researchers. AVIAT-STEM will provide hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, digital twins, hybrid electric propulsion, advanced engineering technologies and data analytics, while expanding opportunities for postgraduate research, international mobility, joint supervision and collaboration with leading universities and industry partners. These experiences will equip graduates with globally competitive skills and exposure to international innovation ecosystems.

“Beyond research, AVIAT-STEM places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and commercialisation. Our students and researchers will participate in innovation challenges, entrepreneurship training, business development initiatives and industry collaborations designed to transform research into practical technologies and commercially viable solutions. This approach reinforces the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only skilled researchers and engineers, but also innovators capable of creating sustainable economic and societal value,” Prof. Kuriakose said.

The project directly advances CUT Vision 2030 by strengthening the university to be a leading African University of Technology recognised for research excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal impact. It also supports South Africa's National Development Plan 2030 by developing locally relevant technologies that enhance industrial competitiveness, strengthen skills development, create employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

In September 2026, AVIAT-STEM will establish a platform for long-term international collaboration and future funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe and other global research programmes. It will expand collaborative research, staff and student exchanges, joint postgraduate supervision and technology development with leading international partners.

More than a research project, AVIAT-STEM represents a strategic investment in developing the next generation of engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs while further positioning CUT as a trusted global partner in deep-tech research, technological innovation and sustainable engineering solutions.