The Iron & Steel industry in India is experiencing rapid growth and faces significant challenges related to energy consumption, product quality, and productivity. As India moves toward becoming the world’s second-largest steel producer, the demand for highly skilled manpower is rising sharply. Despite large companies having in-house R&D facilities, the interdisciplinary nature of steel research and the need for advanced laboratories and experienced researchers make academic institutions ideal for long-term research.

To meet this demand, the Centre of Excellence in Steel Technology (CoEST) was established at IIT Bombay within the Department of Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science (MEMS). Inaugurated on 29 June 2014, the Centre is partially funded by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and supported by major industry players such as JSW Steel and Tata Steel.

The CoEST aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by focusing on industry-relevant R&D, developing skilled manpower, offering consultancy, organizing training programs and international conferences, and fostering collaboration across institutions.