IIT Bombay inaugurated the P. G. Bhagwat Automotive Clay Studio, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing automotive design and innovation. Located on the ground floor of the Research and Innovation Building, this studio will provide students, researchers, and industry professionals with state-of-the-art resources to bring their design concepts to life.

This pioneering facility was inaugurated by IITB alumnus Mr. Dilip Bhagwat (B. Tech, Aerospace Engineering, Class of 1971) in honour of his late father, P. G. Bhagwat.

As the first state-of-the-art studio of its kind in an academic institution in India, it will equip students and faculty with the tools to design and develop innovative, futuristic, and sustainable mobility solutions. By blending creativity with advanced technology, the studio will serve as a dynamic hub for collaboration, offering opportunities to engage with emerging electric vehicle startups in India.

This studio will play a transformative role in shaping the next generation of designers and engineers at IIT Bombay, reducing lead time and fostering excellence in automotive design engineering. Conceptualized by Prof. Nishant Sharma, the Ramakrishna Bajaj Chair Professor, and brought to fruition by Prof. Nishant Sharma and Prof. Unni Mohan M from the IDC School of Design, this initiative aims to enhance students’ skills and capabilities, providing them with world-class expertise in design and innovation.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a warm welcome address that set the tone for the proceedings.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, addressed the gathering and emphasized the studio’s role in fostering hands-on learning and pushing the boundaries of automotive design.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE INAUGURATION

Adding a personal touch, Mr. Dilip Bhagwat shared his family’s pride in contributing to this initiative, reinforcing the importance of supporting education and research. He was joined by members of his family including 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 his family members from around the world including Mr. Abhijeet Bhagwat, Ms. Divya Bhagwat, Mr. Rishi Talwalker, Ms. Sai Talwalkar, Mr. Satchidanand Joshi, and Ms. Megha Mathur

Other dignitaries who spoke at the occasion included:

• Prof. Rao, Deputy Director (FIA), highlighted the impact of such facilities on strengthening industry-academia collaboration.
• Prof. Nishant Sharma and Prof. Unni Mohan spoke about the studio’s potential to become a hub for creativity and experimentation.
• Prof. Sharma then took the audience through a presentation showcasing the studio’s advanced capabilities and its vision for shaping the next generation of automotive designers.

The event concluded with a memento presentation and a photo opportunity, capturing the significance of this milestone. Following the inauguration, guests were given an exclusive campus tour, offering a glimpse into IIT Bombay’s vibrant ecosystem of research and innovation. The day ended with attendees reflecting on the exciting opportunities the new facility would bring to the institute and beyond.

The launch of facilities like the P. G. Bhagwat Automotive Clay Studio, IIT Bombay reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation, hands-on learning, and industry collaboration. As a leading institution at the forefront of technological and design excellence, IIT Bombay continues to equip future engineers and designers with the tools to push creative boundaries and redefine the automotive landscape. This new facility stands as a testament to the Institute’s vision of bridging academia and industry, inspiring the next generation of innovators to shape the future of mobility.