New Delhi: The ministry of heavy industries (MHI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster innovation in the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sector, with a combined investment of INR 24.6645 crore.
Witnessed by Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami via video conference, this initiative aims to develop a Centre of Excellence (CoE) and an Industry Accelerator at IIT Roorkee.
The agreement, part of the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase II, includes a INR 19.8745 crore grant from MHI and a INR 4.78 crore contribution from industry partners. Prof. K.K Pant from IIT Roorkee and Vijay Mittal JS MHI represented their respective institutions during the signing.
Dr. Pandey emphasized the MoU’s significance in integrating advanced technologies within the manufacturing sector and supporting the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted the collaboration’s role in accelerating India’s move towards a self-reliant EV sector, with multiple startups already partnering with IIT Roorkee on pioneering projects.
Chief Minister Dhami appreciated MHI’s initiative for promoting projects under the Capital Goods Scheme in Uttarakhand, beneficial for the e-mobility sector, and acknowledged IIT Roorkee’s efforts in collaborating with startups and industry partners to address significant projects. He noted the institution’s commitment to research, development, and fostering a culture of innovation, aligning with the national goal of self-reliance in mobility.
The partnership between MHI and IIT Roorkee, along with ICAT, Manesar’s involvement, is set to enhance India’s EV manufacturing ecosystem, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and pushing the boundaries of innovation in electric mobility.
