PES Institute of Technology And Management, Shivamogga, has initiated an important step towards strengthening Industry–Academia collaboration through a proposed Long-Term Internship Program for students, aligned with the needs of the Foundry and Manufacturing sectors.As part of this initiative, PESITM visited leading industries, including Pearlite Liners Pvt Ltd and Shanthala Spherocast Pvt Ltdto understand industry expectations, workforce challenges, and opportunities for meaningful student engagement.Following these discussions, distinguished industry leaders Mr. Chandrashekar D S, Vice Chairman, Shanthala Spherocast Pvt Ltd, Mr. Ankit Divekar, Director of Operations, Pearlite Liners Pvt Ltd,and Smt. Sangeetha Sharath – Techno Innovative Castings Pvt. Ltd. visited the PESITM campus on 19th May 2026 in the presence of Mr. Subash B R, Chief Operating Officer, PES Trust, Dr. Nagaraja R, Registrar, PES Trust, Dr.Swamy D R, Principal, PESITM, Dr.Sekar R, Vice Principal, PESITM, Dr. Girisha Lakshman Naik, HOD & Professor, Mechanical Department, Dr. Harsha Omprakash, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Department.The initiative further continued on 22nd May 2026 with the esteemed presence of officials and office bearers of The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), including Sri Sushil Sharma – President, IIF (Nagpur), Mr.Prayut Bhamawat, Hon. Treasurer, IIF (Baroda),Sri Muthukumar – Hon. Treasurer, IIF (Coimbatore), Sri D. G. Benakappa – Past IIF SR Chairman, Sri Raghavendra – Shivamogga Chapter Chairman, Sri Mahaveer Jain – Hon. Secretary, IIF Shivamogga Chapter, who shared valuable insights with PESITM Shivamogga.The discussions focused on collaborative internship models, industry-ready curricula, and skill development, highlighting successful approaches such as the PSG iTech model for strengthening industry–academia collaboration.PESITM is looking forward to collaborating closely with industries, the IIF Shivamogga Chapter, and stakeholders to create a sustainable and impactful roadmap that benefits students, institutions, and industries.