Information technology training company Aptech Ltd has announced several new initiatives as a part of its plans to move up the value chain.

The company is setting up a university and a college in Chennai and has tied-up with the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad to develop software for web-based education.

The Aptech University, being set up under the aegis of the Aptech Education Society, will start colleges that offer training programmes in IT education, management and media studies. Aptech's Atrium College in Chennai will cater to the needs of under-graduate as well as post-graduate IT and management students.

Aptech will partner IIIT, Allahabad in a project supported by the department of scientific and industrial research, ministry of science and technology, to develop a new software tool.

The research project is estimated to cost about Rs 260 lakh (Rs 26 million). The DSIR will grant Rs 60 lakh (6 million) under the Paster (Programme aimed at technological self-reliance) scheme.

Aptech and IIIT, Allahabad will jointly patent the product which would have three main components: an authoring system, a learner management system and a standard-based content management system.

Kalpathi S Suresh, chairman of Aptech, says: "Aptech is on route to becoming a global learning corporation. The launching of Aptech University as well as Atrium College and our collaboration with institutes of higher learning are part of this strategy."

Pramod Khera, chief executive officer and managing director of Aptech says: "While Aptech University will provide the broad umbrella, Atrium College will train students in line with the requirements of the industry. The joint project with IIIT, Allahabad reflects our commitment to support initiatives that promise long-term value."

Aptech University will comprise the Aptech School of Information Technology, Aptech Centre for Software Engineering, Aptech Business School, Aptech School of Distance Education, and the Aptech Knowledge Centre.

The Atrium College will operate as an offshore study centre for the university. Training in the college will involve frequent interface with the industry and internships abroad.

It will also offer degrees in collaboration with other Indian and foreign universities.