Kia, IIT-Tirupati Enter Key Pact

The MoU also paves the way for international academic partnerships between IIT-Tirupati and reputed Korean universities, facilitating student and faculty exchange programs and joint research initiatives in emerging technologies

Tirupati: Kia India, a leading mass premium carmaker of the country, has signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati (IIT-Tirupati), with the objective of fostering engineering excellence, promoting research-led innovation, and nurturing future-ready talent in the fields of automotive and industrial engineering.

As a part of this significant partnership, Kia India has committed an investment of ₹35 crore over a five-year period (2025–2029) to support academic infrastructure, collaborative research programs, and student development initiatives at IIT-Tirupati. This collaboration aims to establish the institution as a prominent centre of excellence in advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, and sustainable automotive technologies.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including the introduction of an internship program with Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) for students, thereby facilitating seamless industry-academia integration and providing students with meaningful opportunities for professional growth within Kia India. Additionally, scholarships and financial assistance will be awarded to deserving M Tech students, based on both academic merit and financial need, ensuring equitable access to advanced education and resources.

A highlight of the partnership includes the creation of a dedicated ‘Makers Laboratory’, a state of-the-art collaborative space at IIT-Tirupati designed to foster cross-disciplinary innovation. This facility will enable students to conceptualize, design, and develop functional prototypes, further enhancing the institute’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and applied technological development.

On the occasion, Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, commented: “This partnership is not merely the signing of an MoU — it is the coming together of shared values and a unified vision for the future of mobility and engineering in India.