Mumbai, Mar 26 (IANS): Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) president L. Rafael Reif Tuesday called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan along with chairman emeritus of Tata Group Ratan Tata.

Reif in his meeting with Chavan mentioned MIT's commitment to research in the fields of water resources, energy and agriculture, areas which are of significant concern to India, according to an official from the Chief Minister's Office.

Reif also mentioned that the MIT and Tata Group are already working together in the field of technology research and development.

Chavan assured them that Maharashtra will extend all possible help to the efforts of MIT in collaboration with Tata Group in the field of education and research and development.

He also suggested setting up of innovation labs to spawn innovation in various fields, especially relevant to the state. This includes water conservation, waste water treatment and alternate energy technologies.

Reif will address a session titled 'MIT: An Instrument for Inventing the Future', organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is globally considered as an apex institution for teaching and research and is based in the US.