IISc's FSID and ARAI to Set Up a Center of Excellence for Innovation and Research in the Mobility Sector

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-24 07:18:40 |

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The Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) on January 21, 2025. The agreement was formalized during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in the presence of HD Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Heavy Industries, among other dignitaries.

This MoU aims to replicate the product accelerator platform established under the Pravriddhi programme, launched by FSID at IISc in November 2024. Pravriddhi facilitates collaboration between enterprises, academia, research laboratories, and investors to foster innovation and develop products that contribute to a self-reliant India, according to an official statement by FSID.

The partnership will lead to the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to research, development, technology innovation, testing, validation, and engineering services within the mobility sector. This CoE will emphasize safety, sustainability, and reliability by leveraging collective human capital, intellectual property, and advanced infrastructure.

As part of the agreement, FSID and ARAI will collaborate to identify and onboard key industry partners to co-create innovative mobility solutions. The initiative will encourage cohort-based development while attracting investment. The programme will prioritize knowledge transfer, offering advanced training through cutting-edge skilling platforms that integrate modern software and processes. Industry and academic experts will ensure that the developed products meet global standards.

Prof. B. Gurumoorthy, Director of FSID, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the significant role of IISc’s R&D expertise, world-class facilities, and extensive strategic network in driving sustainable and safer mobility innovations. He noted the proven success of Pravriddhi in high-speed rotating machinery development, supported by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).

Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, emphasized their contributions to homologation, developmental testing, standardization, and sustainable mobility innovations. He highlighted technologies like the overhead automated charging device and hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain, displayed at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, as examples of their commitment to a greener future.

Yogesh Pandit, FSID’s Director of Product Acceleration, described the MoU as a pivotal step in advancing mobility sector innovation. He emphasized the partnership’s potential to leverage shared resources, foster collaborations between government and corporate entities, and address critical challenges in mobility. This alliance aims to not only drive mutual growth but also create significant societal impact by enabling the development of safer and more sustainable mobility systems.

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