1. INDUS TOWERS LTD.

IIT Bombay and Indus Towers Ltd Join Forces to Pioneer Sustainable Energy Technologies

At a time when climate imperatives and energy demands are reshaping global priorities and the world is racing towards cleaner, smarter, and greener energy systems, innovation is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. In a bold step toward creating visionary and viable solutions,  IIT Bombay has partnered with Indus Towers Ltd. to support two transformative research initiatives in sustainable energy that will push the boundaries of solar power generation and energy storage. The partnership, formalized through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is part of Indus Towers Ltd.’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to advancing innovation-led environmental impact.

“This partnership is a powerful example of industry and academia coming together to address real-world challenges through research and innovation,” said Mr. Prachur Sah, MD & CEO, Indus Towers. Research on Perovskite Solar Cell technology and utilising agricultural waste for energy storage is an exciting concept and could become crucial in advancing sustainable energy solutions. We are confident that the research has the potential to revolutionise our approach to clean energy.”

At the heart of this collaboration lies a pioneering effort to develop Perovskite Solar Cell technology, which holds the promise of surpassing the limitations of conventional silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells. With silicon solar technologies nearing their maximum efficiency threshold of 27%, IIT Bombay’s research into tandem solar cells, leveraging halide perovskite semiconductors, marks a critical leap forward. This next-generation technology aims to deliver higher efficiency at no additional cost, with far-reaching applications in both terrestrial and space-based solar systems.

The second initiative under this collaboration tackles another critical sustainability challenge—agricultural waste and energy storage. The project seeks to develop a scalable method to convert North Indian rice straw which is an abundant agricultural residue into silicon-doped hard carbon materials. These materials will serve as anodes or additives in sodium-ion batteries, a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion technology. This research not only addresses the environmental hazards of stubble burning but also strengthens the country’s clean energy ecosystem by utilizing indigenous, eco-friendly resources.

Commenting on the broader vision of the partnership, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, said, “At IIT Bombay, we believe that scientific excellence must be anchored in purpose. Collaborations like this not only push the frontiers of research but also demonstrate how academia and industry can work hand in hand to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time. We are grateful to Indus Towers Ltd. for supporting innovation that has the potential to accelerate India’s journey towards energy sustainability.”

This partnership underscores IIT Bombay’s role as a national hub for high-impact, mission-driven research. Through meaningful collaborations with forward-looking industry partners, the Institute continues to convert scientific ideas into scalable, real-world solutions. It also highlights how CSR funding, when channelled toward innovation and knowledge creation, can help build the technological backbone of a more sustainable and Atmanirbhar India.

2. HYUNDAI – KIA

IIT Bombay Partners with Hyundai and Kia to Power Future EV Innovations

Image Courtesy: Maeil Business Newspaper

IIT Bombay has partnered with Hyundai Motor and Kia to help establish the Hyundai Future Mobility Innovation Centre—an initiative focused on advancing electric vehicle and battery technologies. As part of this collaboration, faculty from IIT Bombay will work alongside industry experts to drive research in electrification tailored to India’s mobility needs.

Representing IIT Bombay at the signing was Prof. Sachin C. Patwardhan, Dean, Research and Development.

Also present at the signing ceremony were key dignitaries from Hyundai and Kia, including:

–  Mr. Yang Hee-won – President of R&D, Hyundai Motor and Kia
–  Mr. Kim Eon-soo – Vice President, Hyundai Motor (India-Middle East Region)
–  Mr. Kim Chang-hwan – Vice President, Electric Energy Solutions, Hyundai Motor and Kia
–  Mr. Sung Nak-seop – Director of R&D Planning and Coordination, Hyundai Motor and Kia

The Centre will focus on joint research in battery management systems, EV components, and AI-based diagnostics, contributing to India’s growing EV ecosystem. This collaboration marks another step in IIT Bombay’s commitment to leveraging academic excellence for industry innovation.

This landmark collaboration underscores IIT Bombay’s pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility. By bringing together cutting-edge research and real-world application, the Institute continues to power India’s transition to cleaner technologies. With initiatives like the Hyundai Future Mobility Innovation Centre, IIT Bombay reaffirms its position at the forefront of industry-academia partnerships—driving innovation not just for today, but for a greener, smarter tomorrow.

For more on this, click here: Maeil Business Newspaper

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