New Delhi: Digital solutions provider UST has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad-based T-Works, India’s largest prototyping centre, to collaborate on the development of Industry 4.0 technologies for manufacturing, semiconductor and automotive sectors.
The partnership aims to reduce research and development (R&D) costs for startups and enterprises by up to 40 per cent and accelerate the pace of hardware-to-digital integration.
Under the agreement, UST will act as a systems integrator, offering digital and AI-enabled solutions for prototyping in areas such as Automotive AI platforms, semiconductor Automated Test Equipment (ATE) frameworks, and smart factory systems. T-Works will bring its advanced physical prototyping infrastructure into the mix, creating a “phygital” environment that integrates both digital and physical product development processes.
The collaboration is expected to reduce the time-to-market for hardware-based products by enabling up to 45% faster integration between physical components and digital platforms.
Support for Startups, MSMEs and Enterprises
The MoU outlines a shared-risk innovation model, allowing joint development and ownership of intellectual property. This model is designed to make advanced manufacturing technologies more accessible to startups and small businesses. UST will also deploy its teams to work onsite at T-Works’ facility, providing hands-on support across product design, prototyping, and commercialisation phases.
Startups working with T-Works will gain access to UST’s global enterprise network, including subsidised tools like AI-optimised CNC workflows and early-stage gallium nitride (GaN) power device prototypes.
Leadership Comments Reflect Strategic Focus
While announcing the partnership at UST’s Thiruvananthapuram campus, company leaders stressed the long-term intent to support innovation in critical industrial domains. According to Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer, UST, the partnership merges “physical manufacturing capabilities with digital simulation models” to facilitate more efficient product development.
T-Works CEO Joginder Tanikella noted that the collaboration aligns with efforts to strengthen India’s industrial innovation pipeline by offering startups access to UST’s technical resources and international reach.
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