A monumental moment unfolded at the Senate Hall of NIT Calicut as the institute solidified a groundbreaking collaboration with Tata Elxsi. This landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing signifies a paradigm shift in academic-industry partnerships, positioning NIT Calicut as a pioneering hub for cutting-edge research in the realm of Electric Vehicle (EV) technology.
The core focus of this collaboration lies in the establishment of a cutting-edge research laboratory at NIT Calicut that will be dedicated to advancing High Power Inverters and drives, in addition to battery technology devices. This strategic initiative resonates with the global push towards electric mobility and addresses crucial aspects of EV technology. The laboratory is poised to act as a crucible for innovation, nurturing advancements that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation.
With a significant funding commitment of Rs. 1 crore, including Tata Elxsi’s contribution of 75 lakh and NIT Calicut’s commitment of 25 lakh, the lab is poised to be a catalyst for pioneering research in the EV domain. This MoU was facilitated by the efforts of Dr. Nikhil Sasidharan and Dr. Shreelakshmi M P, Assistant Professors, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, NIT Calicut and also the Chairpersons, Center for Electric Vehicle Engineering.
The occasion was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Manoj Raghavan, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Elxsi; Dr. Priya Chandran, Director-in-charge, NITC; Mr. Shaju S, Vice President and Head of Transportation Business Unit, TATA ELXSI; Commander (Dr.) Shamsundara M S, Registrar of NITC; Mr. Shilen Sagunan, Advisor to Center for Electric Vehicle Engineering; Dr. N Sandhyarani, Dean of Research and Consultancy at NIT Calicut; Dr. Preetha P, HOD, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, NIT Calicut; Mr. Sharath M Nair, Center Head of Tata Elxsi Kozhikode; Dr. Nikhil Sasidharan, and Dr. Shreelakshmi M P. Mr. Manoj Raghavan, underscored the significance of academia and industry joining forces to drive innovation, sharing knowledge, and fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals.
Mr. Raghavan emphasized the commitment of Tata Elxsi to technological progress and societal development, affirming that this partnership is a testament to that commitment. Mr. Shaju S, provided valuable insights into the implications and expectations of this collaboration. He underlined how this partnership would significantly contribute to shaping the landscape of electric mobility. These visionary leaders’ words set the tone for an occasion and added their well-wishes, solidifying the shared commitment to a future driven by innovation, sustainability, and transformative EV technology.
This partnership signals not just a collaboration between two entities, but a convergence of visions and a commitment to realizing a greener, more sustainable future. As NIT Calicut and Tata Elxsi embark on this joint endeavor, the path to innovation and progress in the electric mobility domain has been illuminated.