Collaborations between auto giants and top educational institutes are often a fruitful measure for both parties on various levels
Kia and IIT-Tirupati have signed a strategic MoU to advance Engineering Excellence and Drive Technological Innovation. Ever since Kia entered India back in 2017 and started selling cars in 2019, it has achieved immense growth. In fact, it has become the fastest foreign carmaker to reach the 1 million (10 lakh) sales milestone in India just within 59 months of operation. This is a perfect validation for the kind of products the Korean automaker has been offering for Indian buyers. With its expanding partnerships, it is grabbing more and more market share with each passing month.
Kia and IIT-Tirupati Sign MoU to Advance Engineering Excellence and Drive Technological Innovation
Kia India has signed an MoU with IIT-Tirupati to support research and engineering education. The goal is to improve innovation and build future talent in automotive and industrial engineering. Kia will invest Rs 35 crores over five years (2025 – 2029). This funding will go toward academic infrastructure, research programs, and student support. The partnership includes internships for students, along with Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs). This will give students real-world industry experience and career opportunities at Kia. IIT-Tirupati students pursuing M.Tech will also benefit from scholarships. These will be awarded based on academic performance and financial need.
A key feature of the deal is the launch of a ‘Makers Laboratory’. This will be a shared space where students can work on new ideas and build prototypes. The lab will support hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary projects. The MoU also supports global connections. It will promote academic exchange and joint research between IIT-Tirupati and top Korean universities. This partnership is designed to link academic learning with industry needs. It aims to support research in areas like electric mobility and sustainable technologies. Most importantly, it helps students gain the skills and exposure they need to succeed in the fast-changing auto industry.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, commented: “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. At Kia, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education, research, and collaborative innovation. 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. Together, we are building more than infrastructure — we are building opportunities, capabilities, and a foundation for meaningful societal impact.”
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