Microsoft India on Tuesday announced its partnership with the Kolkata-based JIS Group for setting up its innovation centre here in the eastern region of the country.

The innovation centre will allow students access to Microsoft's laboratory facilities.

Through the laboratory, students get access to Microsoft products ahead of their market launch.

This is Microsoft's first and only tie-up in the eastern region. Nationally, the company has tie-ups with 10 other educational institutions. Around 8000 students are enrolled into the programme.

The programme, sponsored by Microsoft, is called Ed-Vantage and according to Raj Katari, Director Geo-Expansion, will make students "industry ready".

Through the tie-ups Microsoft customers will get access to skilled work-force, Katari added.

Around 250 students of JIS will be selected for internship (across industry) and employment facilitation will be provided to another 100-odd students.

>abhishek.l@thehindu.co.in

>ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in