MHI and IIT Roorkee Sign MoU for Automotive Innovation

Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together to encourage innovation and advance the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sector. This MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of the State of Uttarakhand (through VC) and senior officials of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the State of Uttarakhand.

The MoU was signed by Prof. K.K Pant on behalf of IIT Roorkee & Shri Vijay Mittal JS MHI on behalf of the Ministry. This MoU represents a joint effort to launch advanced initiatives for creating a Centre of Excellence (CoE) and an Industry Accelerator at IIT Roorkee under the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase II of MHI. This collaboration seeks to utilize the combined knowledge and resources of both organizations to support groundbreaking projects that will influence the future of transportation.

With a total grant of ₹19.8745 Cr. provided by MHI and an additional ₹4.78 Cr. contributed by industry partners, the total project cost is ₹ 24.6645 Cr. This joint collaboration is poised to make significant strides in innovation and will also bridge the gap between academia and industry. These funds will further brace research, development, and implementation efforts, facilitating the translation of concepts into tangible solutions.

Driving Technological Advancements

Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, speaking at the event, highlighted the advancement of new technologies facilitated by the Capital Goods Scheme. He emphasized how these initiatives have expedited the integration of cutting-edge technologies within the manufacturing sector promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat. Additionally, he acknowledged MHI's substantial role in propelling India towards global export prominence. Commending the efforts of the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and IIT Roorkee he underscored their proactive steps in advancing this agenda. The Minister also outlined the Industry Accelerator component of the CG scheme and emphasized its focus on fostering collaboration between academia and industry. He noted the signing of a MoU between MHI and IIT Roorkee to establish an Industry Accelerator and Center of Excellence. Through this partnership, numerous startups have joined forces with IIT-Roorkee to pioneer projects in electric vehicles, significantly contributing to the nation's self-reliance in the e-mobility sector.

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressed gratitude to the MHI for approving projects under the Capital Goods Scheme in Uttarakhand, particularly beneficial for the e-mobility sector. He also lauded IIT Roorkee for its potential to engage with startups and industries, emphasizing the institution's commitment to addressing crucial projects. He also highlighted the institution's dedication to fostering a culture of research, development, and collaboration, which aligns with the national goal of self-reliance in the mobility sector.

IIT Roorkee is a premier institution and a renowned hub for innovation and excellence. This institution fosters an environment where transformative ideas are nurtured with a commitment to empowering individuals to become pioneers.

ICAT, Manesar a partner with IIT Roorkee in this project, is a premier facility dedicated to testing, certification, and research in the automotive sector. ICAT plays a vital role in the development, validation, and homologation of automotive technologies. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise, in this project, ICAT will offer services like automotive electrical and electronics testing. As India transitions towards electric mobility, ICAT is at the forefront, providing testing and developmental services for electric vehicles.