Kia India is planning to invest Rs 35 crores over a five-year period between 2025 and 2029 to support academic infrastructure, collaborative research programmes, and student development initiatives at the Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati (IIT-Tirupati).
This comes after the mass premium carmaker signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Tirupati. The collaboration aims to establish the institution as a prominent centre of excellence in advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, and sustainable automotive technologies.
Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India said, “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. By joining forces with IIT-Tirupati, we aim to nurture highly skilled engineers and technologists, equipped to lead advancements in sustainable mobility and industrial manufacturing.”
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including the introduction of an internship programme with Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) for students, thereby facilitating seamless industry-academia integration and providing students with meaningful opportunities for professional growth within Kia India.
Additionally, scholarships and financial assistance will be awarded to deserving M.Tech students, based on both academic merit and financial need, ensuring equitable access to advanced education and resources.
A highlight of the partnership includes the creation of a dedicated ‘Makers Laboratory’, a state-of-the-art collaborative space at IIT-Tirupati designed to foster cross-disciplinary innovation. This facility will enable students to conceptualize, design, and develop functional prototypes, further enhancing the institute’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and applied technological development.
Expressing his views, Prof. KN Satyanarayana, Director, IIT-Tirupati said, ” This initiative will provide our students with exposure to global industry practices, global learning opportunities, and advanced infrastructure. Beyond academic benefits, this partnership signifies our joint resolve to contribute to India’s aspirations in sustainable industrial development and technological leadership.”
