New Delhi: Hyundai Motor Group has opened a new research centre at IIT Delhi, focusing on battery and electrification technologies.
Named the Hyundai Centre of Excellence (Hyundai CoE) for Future Mobility Technology, the initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to collaborate with academic institutions for next-generation mobility research in India.
Research Focus on Battery Systems and Electrification
The Hyundai CoE will drive joint research in key areas, including battery cell design, energy density, battery management systems (BMS), safety protocols, diagnostic tools, and system durability. Nine research projects have already been selected in collaboration with multiple Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), as part of a long-term academic-industrial partnership.
The research aims to support innovations tailored for Indian conditions, with a clear emphasis on strengthening electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and sustainability. A steering committee co-chaired by Hyundai’s Executive Vice President Chang Hwan Kim and IIT Delhi’s Professor Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi will oversee the centre’s progress.
Academic-Industry Collaboration to Expand Nationwide
In addition to the newly launched centre, Hyundai is expanding its Future Technology Research Program, first introduced in 2021. Under this program, university faculty can propose their own research ideas, which are evaluated and potentially funded by Hyundai. The model differs from traditional academic-industry partnerships, offering researchers more autonomy in shaping project directions.
Previously limited to domestic Korean institutions, the program now includes Indian academic partners, beginning with professors from IITs. Hyundai currently collaborates with IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Madras, engaging around 30 professors in various research capacities.
Plans to Build a National Research Network
Hyundai aims to scale this initiative across India by 2025, with plans to partner with up to 10 universities, both IITs and other prominent institutions. The company expects around 100 professors to be involved in its research network by the end of next year.
This move underlines a shift in how global automotive companies are localising R&D efforts to align with India’s evolving mobility ecosystem, particularly in the EV segment.
