Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has announced a strategic collaboration with Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani through a five-year Master Research Agreement (MRA). This partnership aims to drive innovation in advanced technologies across the mobility sector, focusing on areas such as software development, data analytics, AI, electric mobility, and transformative technologies like generative AI.
In a statement, MBRDI highlighted that the collaboration with BITS Pilani will establish a framework for joint research initiatives aimed at creating intellectual property and fostering academic collaboration. The agreement encompasses joint R&D projects, academic and professional events, and opportunities for researcher and student exchanges between the two entities.
The collaboration also facilitates shared access to laboratory facilities, advisory roles for research students, opportunities for co-funding, joint publication of research papers, and measures to protect intellectual property. Several research projects are already underway under the guidance of leading faculty members including Prof. Poonam Goyal, Prof. Amit R Singh, and Prof. Navneet Goyal.
Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, emphasized the importance of industry-academia partnerships in addressing the complex challenges faced by the automotive industry. He expressed confidence that leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s industry expertise with BITS Pilani’s academic prowess will drive sustainable innovation and technological advancements.
The collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing research and development capabilities in India’s automotive sector, positioning both MBRDI and BITS Pilani at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovation in mobility solutions.