Bengaluru, July 1, 2024
This partnership between Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India and BITS Pilani is designed to explore and cultivate breakthrough technologies within the rapidly evolving mobility sector. The framework of the agreement encompasses a broad spectrum of collaborative activities, including joint Research and Development projects, academic and industry events, and opportunities for researcher and student exchanges. Furthermore, the collaboration facilitates resource sharing, enabling both parties to utilize lab facilities, co-supervise research students, seek joint funding opportunities, co-publish research papers, and collaboratively protect intellectual property arising from their joint endeavors.
A key objective of this initiative is to bolster India’s digital capabilities by enhancing the talent pool through practical, industry-relevant research experiences. By fostering closer ties between industry and academia, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India and BITS Pilani aim to streamline research efforts and accelerate innovation. The primary research domains under this partnership will include software development with a strong emphasis on data analytics and Artificial Intelligence, the rapidly growing field of electric mobility solutions, and transformative technologies like generative AI, which holds immense potential for automotive applications. Several pioneering projects are already underway as part of this collaboration, under the guidance of esteemed BITS Pilani professors Prof. Poonam Goyal, Prof. Amit R Singh, and Prof. Navneet Goyal.
Prof Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are dedicated to fostering innovation and research excellence, and this MRA with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India is a pivotal step in realizing this commitment. By combining MBRDI’s extensive corporate experience with our academic strengths, we aspire to achieve groundbreaking discoveries that will benefit both our institutions and contribute to societal advancement. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing our students and researchers with unparalleled opportunities to engage in innovative projects and develop solutions for pressing challenges. We also value our long-standing relationship with MBRDI in talent acquisition and development, providing internships and graduate placements.”
Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, emphasized the critical role of industry-academia partnerships in today’s dynamic technological landscape. “Collaboration between industry and academia is essential to address the complex challenges facing the automotive industry today. The synergy between our industry expertise and BITS Pilani’s academic excellence will accelerate our progress towards a future of sustainable innovation. At Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, we are committed to nurturing a culture of continuous learning and growth for our talent, and this collaboration will unlock significant opportunities for translating ideas into impactful innovations.”
About BITS Pilani:
Established in 1964, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is a distinguished institution recognized for its exceptional contributions to higher education, research, and innovation. With a rich history spanning decades, BITS Pilani has evolved into a multi-campus institution, serving as a vital center for academic excellence and groundbreaking research. BITS Pilani’s global recognition is reflected in its ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2025, where it is acknowledged for its significant progress among Indian institutions. It also holds the #1 rank among private institutions in India for Employment Outcomes and Sustainability. Furthermore, BITS Pilani is ranked #1 by the Times All India Engineering Institutes Ranking Survey 2024 and has been acclaimed as the #3 most beautiful university globally by Lifestyle Asia. For further details, please visit: https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/.
About Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India:
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), established in 1996, is the largest research and development facility for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside of Germany. MBRDI plays a crucial role in advancing key automotive technologies, including connected, autonomous, and electric mobility solutions. With facilities in Bengaluru and Pune, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India employs over 8,500 professionals dedicated to digital product development, interior component design, and IT engineering and services.
