Chitkara University has joined forces with KONE India, a prominent manufacturer of elevators and escalators, to advance skills in the vertical transportation sector. The initiative includes the establishment of the KONE Centre of Excellence for Vertical Transportation at the Chitkara University campus. This partnership aims to enrich the educational experience for students by incorporating advanced technologies and innovative teaching techniques.
Together, they have created a detailed Vertical Transportation course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical industry exposure, further supported by a newly launched state-of-the-art lab at the university. Dr Ashok Chitkara, Chancellor of Chitkara University, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “This partnership is perfectly aligned with our goal of delivering quality education. It will nurture talent in the vertical transportation field.”
Additionally, KONE India will conduct training sessions for faculty members to enhance their instructional approaches and effectively integrate technology into their teaching. Amit Gossain, Managing Director of KONE India & South Asia, commented during the launch, “We are thrilled to partner with Chitkara University in establishing a Centre of Excellence for Vertical Transportation, featuring Electrical and Mechanical Labs—the first of its kind in an Indian university. KONE India is dedicated to promoting innovation and practical learning. The infrastructure at Chitkara University is exceptional and will prepare students with the skills and hands-on experience necessary for the future of urban environments. This center will meet the increasing demand for safe, sustainable, and intelligent urban mobility solutions.”
KONE India has also introduced the inaugural vertical transportation diploma course in collaboration with Chitkara University, which is being developed into a bachelor’s engineering degree program. With the rapid pace of urbanization, creating such a course in India is vital. Gossain emphasized, “At KONE India, we are eager to invest in skill development and generate opportunities that will benefit both the industry and society.”
This partnership equips students at Chitkara University with the essential skills needed to thrive in the vertical transportation industry, preparing them to contribute to the development of future urban spaces. Chitkara University, located near Chandigarh, has established itself as a leading institution in North India, ranking among the top 5% of higher education establishments in the country. It holds a NAAC A+ accreditation and is recognized by the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF).
The university offers diverse programs in Engineering and Technology, Business Management, Planning, Architecture, Art & Design, Mass Communication, Sales and Marketing, Hospitality Management, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Nursing, Law, Psychology, and Education. Students at Chitkara University benefit from robust start-up support, exceptional research opportunities, and access to various globally recognized prospects.
KONE has been operating in India since 1984 and is now a leading elevator company in the country. Headquartered in Chennai, KONE India serves customers nationwide through over 50 branches, offering sustainable People Flow™ solutions to support the rapid urban growth across India.
With a workforce of more than 5,000 employees, KONE’s Chennai production unit manufactures elevators not only for the Indian market but also for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The company also operates three training centers in Chennai, where installation engineers and field mechanics are trained to maintain KONE India’s high standards for quality and safety. Additionally, KONE’s global technology and engineering center in Chennai, one of eight global R&D hubs, plays a crucial role in testing, research, and the development of innovative KONE solutions for the future.
