NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy. The goal is to boost industry-academia collaboration in applied research. This deal is part of a wider move by NLCIL's Centre for Applied Research and Development (CARD). CARD had invited research proposals from top academic institutions. The response was strong. As a result, NLCIL signed 13 MoAs with institutions like IISc, IITs, and State Universities. The MoA with NIT Trichy focuses on developing new material for bucket wheel teeth. The project budget is ₹50.73 lakh. It aims to create advanced materials with better wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness. NLCIL stated this will help extend the service life of bucket wheel teeth, reduce downtime, and cut operational costs significantly.