Centre, IIT Roorkee collaborate to advance innovation in automotive industry

NEW DELHI: The ministry of heavy industries (MHI) and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) signed an agreement to spearhead technological innovations in the automotive and allied research domain.

The partnership aims to launch a Center of Excellence (CoE) on Automotive and Allied Research and Technology Innovations (AARTI) and an Industry Accelerator at IIT Roorkee campus in collaboration with International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT).

The institute said that the Industry Accelerator along with the CoE will help support innovation in indigenization of technology and growth of start-ups. Along with ICAT, the institute aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry.

ICAT had launched the Auto and Mobility Acceleration programme and invited applications pan-India call to identify start-ups in the automotive sector working on products and solutions. IIT Roorkee said that it plans to help implement similar programmes through the Industry Accelerator.

Speaking at the event, IIT Roorkee director KK Pant said: "As we embark on this transformative initiative, we envision the Center of Excellence at IIT Roorkee as a beacon of innovation, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Through cutting-edge research and comprehensive training programs, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in the automotive and allied technologies sector."

“This partnership aims to spearhead technological innovations in the automotive and allied research domain, providing a platform for innovators, start-ups and industries alike, and fostering capacity building,” the institute said.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was present during the agreement signing event, extended full support to facilitate the partnership.