BITS Pilani, Rane Group Sign MoU for Automotive Research and Technology Development
Pilani, Sept 29 (TNT): Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani on Tuesday said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chennai-based Rane Group to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in automotive technology, research and skill development.
The partnership will establish a framework for joint research and development, intellectual property creation and commercialisation, educational programmes, student projects, internships, deep-tech talent incubation and placement opportunities for graduating students, the Institute said in a release.
The collaboration will leverage BITS Pilani’s academic expertise and infrastructure across its campuses and Rane Group’s manufacturing capabilities to address emerging challenges in the automotive sector.
Key focus areas include advanced electronics, autonomous mechanical systems, smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence applications to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
Prof V Ramgopal, Group Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani, said the partnership would strengthen industry-academia ties and accelerate the translation of research into market-ready solutions while preparing students for evolving industry requirements.
Rane Group Chairman Harish Lakshman said collaboration with an academic institution such as BITS Pilani would help develop future-ready technical talent and enable the companies to jointly develop next-generation automotive technologies, strengthening India’s manufacturing sector.
Rane Group manufactures safety-critical automotive components and supplies original equipment manufacturers in India and international markets. Its products cater to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, farm tractors, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and railways.
Prof Ramgopal Rao, along with BITS Pilani deans and faculty members, including Prof Arya Kumar, Prof Sounak Roy and Prof Raj Kumar Gupta, attended the MoU signing event.
The partnership aims to create opportunities for collaborative innovation and strengthen links between academic research and industrial applications.
TNT KM
