Specialized short-term upskilling courses are also on the agenda, targeted at critical technical domains including Electric Vehicle (EV) development, battery cell technology, motor and controller systems, mobility research and vehicle dynamics. By creating this dynamic learning continuum, the partnership aims to continuously raise the innovation bar, both for students and seasoned professionals.
In a landmark development aimed at redefining India’s mobility landscape, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and Hero MotoCorp have announced an ambitious collaboration spanning cutting-edge research, education, and comprehensive employee upskilling.
This partnership, underpinned by a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signals a powerful union between two key pillars of India’s innovation ecosystem—industry and academia—working together to lay the groundwork for the country’s future as a global mobility leader.
Focus on Advanced Research and Upskilling
The alliance is set to open new horizons for doctoral research, industry-relevant academic exposure, and specialized learning in high-demand domains.
As part of the MoU, Hero MotoCorp has committed to instituting scholarships for research scholars at IIT Madras, giving a strategic boost to novel, locally-driven R&D projects including mobility research. Students at IIT Madras will further benefit from real-world industry exposure, gaining unique insights into practical challenges and opportunities that define the mobility sector today.
The collaboration’s scope goes well beyond traditional industry-academia ties. IIT Madras will roll out tailored degree programmes—such as MTech and PhD tracks—exclusively for Hero MotoCorp employees, equipping them with advanced knowledge directly aligned with evolving market demands.
Specialized short-term upskilling courses are also on the agenda, targeted at critical technical domains including Electric Vehicle (EV) development, battery cell technology, motor and controller systems, mobility research and vehicle dynamics. By creating this dynamic learning continuum, the partnership aims to continuously raise the innovation bar, both for students and seasoned professionals.
Leadership Insights
Commenting on the unprecedented depth of this collaboration, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti emphasized the transformative potential of strong industry-academia alliances in shaping India’s economic future.
“Industry-academia partnerships have been one of the key areas of focus at IIT Madras. It is imperative that these two key pillars of the economy work together to realize the dream of a Viksit Bharat 2047. Our partnership with Hero MotoCorp is a step forward in this direction, and I am confident that the scholarships, industry exposure, and specialized courses under this strategic agreement will play a pivotal role in advancing mobility research and development in India,” said Prof. Kamakoti.
Vikram Kasbekar, Executive Director, Acting CEO, and CTO at Hero MotoCorp, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the national significance of such collaborations.
“A strong nation is built when academia and industries work together. For India to lead globally, this partnership is essential. At Hero MotoCorp, we believe in this and are putting it into action. We are proud to partner with IIT Madras, a world-class institute in innovation. Together, we will focus on future technologies like multi-energy propulsion, new battery materials, and electric mobility, while using AI and Generative AI to improve product development. This collaboration supports Atmanirbhar Bharat—a self-reliant India. By developing these technologies at home, we are building a stronger nation and shaping the future of mobility,” Kasbekar remarked.
Broader Societal Impact and Future Directions
Beyond research and education, the partnership paves the way for joint projects, technology transfer initiatives, and even collaborative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, creating a channel for sustained societal and economic impact.
Both institutions have signaled their commitment to keep the collaboration open and responsive, seeking out joint research endeavors and technology missions of strategic national interest.
