In a significant move towards fostering innovation and advancement in the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sector, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ceremony, graced by Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, and Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand (via video conference), marked a pivotal moment in the collaboration between academia and industry.
The MoU, signed by Prof. K.K Pant representing IIT Roorkee and Shri Vijay Mittal JS MHI on behalf of the Ministry, paves the way for the establishment of 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 joint effort aims to drive groundbreaking projects that will shape the future of transportation.
Backed by a substantial grant of ₹19.8745 Cr. from MHI and an additional ₹4.78 Cr. contributed by industry partners, the total project cost stands at ₹24.6645 Cr. This financial infusion is poised to catalyze innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry while fueling research, development, and implementation efforts.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey emphasized the pivotal role of new technologies in advancing the manufacturing sector, promoting self-reliance through initiatives like the Capital Goods Scheme. He lauded MHI’s contribution to India’s export prowess and hailed the proactive measures taken by Uttarakhand and IIT Roorkee in driving innovation.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude for MHI’s approval of projects under the Capital Goods Scheme, particularly beneficial for Uttarakhand’s e-mobility sector. He commended IIT Roorkee’s engagement with startups and industries, highlighting the institution’s commitment to research and collaboration.
IIT Roorkee, renowned for its innovation and excellence, serves as an ideal partner for this endeavor. The institution’s dedication to nurturing transformative ideas aligns with the national goal of self-reliance in the mobility sector.
Partnering with IIT Roorkee, ICAT, Manesar plays a pivotal role in testing, certification, and research in the automotive sector. With cutting-edge infrastructure and expertise, ICAT offers services crucial for the development and validation of automotive technologies, including testing for electric vehicles as India accelerates towards electric mobility.
