In a landmark move to bridge the gap between academia and industry, Kia India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IIT Tirupati), marking the beginning of a transformative partnership aimed at nurturing engineering talent and advancing sustainable mobility.
🚗 A Vision for Collaborative Innovation
Kia India, whose manufacturing facility is located in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, has committed ₹35 crore over five years (2025–2029) to support IIT Tirupati in building cutting-edge academic infrastructure, launching research initiatives, and empowering students through scholarships and internships.
This collaboration is more than a financial investment—it’s a strategic alignment of values and vision. Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, emphasized, “This partnership is not merely the signing of an MoU — it is the coming together of shared values and a unified vision for the future of mobility and engineering in India”.
🧪 Makers Laboratory: A Hub for Creativity
A key highlight of the partnership is the establishment of a state-of-the-art ‘Makers Laboratory’ at IIT Tirupati. This innovation space will allow students to design, prototype, and develop functional products, fostering interdisciplinary creativity and hands-on learning.
🎓 Empowering Students with Real-World Experience
The MoU introduces a structured internship program offering Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs), giving students a direct pathway into the automotive industry. Additionally, merit- and need-based scholarships will be awarded to M.Tech students, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education.
🌍 Expanding Global Horizons
The partnership also opens doors to international collaboration, enabling student and faculty exchanges with leading Korean universities. This global engagement will enrich the academic experience and promote joint research in emerging technologies.
🔧 Building the Future of Mobility
Dr. K.N. Satyanarayana, Director of IIT Tirupati, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to partner with Kia India in this forward-looking collaboration… This initiative will provide our students with exposure to global industry practices and advanced infrastructure”.
This MoU is a testament to the power of industry-academia synergy in shaping the future of engineering and mobility. As Kia India and IIT Tirupati join forces, they are not just building labs and launching programs—they are laying the foundation for a new generation of innovators ready to drive India’s mobility revolution.