GameChange Solar, a leading global provider of solar tracking and fixed-tilt racking solutions, has partnered with Team AgniRath from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to support their mission of creating a next-generation solar-powered car for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. AgniRath, a group of 48 undergraduate students, is pushing the envelope on sustainable mobility and innovation.
The team is working under the Centre for Innovation at IIT Madras, showcasing the institute’s ongoing leadership in renewable energy research and hands-on student involvement. Their solar car, Aagneya, will represent India in the prestigious 3,000 km endurance race through the Australian outback.
Prof Sivakumar, the team’s lead mentor and Professor of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering at IIT Madras, praised the students’ drive and the invaluable support from GameChange Solar. “The enthusiasm and dedication of the AgniRath team have been truly inspiring,” he said. “Their progress on Aagneya has been accelerated by the support of generous sponsors like GameChange Solar, who have significantly boosted their confidence.”
Vikas Bansal, President of International Operations at GameChange Solar, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. “Our support for AgniRath goes beyond just corporate social responsibility. It’s about investing in the future of engineering and clean energy. These young minds are creating innovative solutions that align perfectly with our mission to accelerate the transition to solar power.”
After debuting as India’s sole representative at the 2023 World Solar Challenge, AgniRath is set to return with a more advanced version of Aagneya. The new solar car features cutting-edge technology, including high-efficiency flexible solar modules, an aerodynamic design, and a carbon fiber chassis—all developed in-house by the students.
“We are excited to partner with GameChange Solar, whose contribution has played a pivotal role in advancing our project,” said Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations at IIT Madras. “Their support has helped us fabricate critical components like the battery packs, visor, and carbon fiber body, enabling us to conduct crucial testing ahead of the World Solar Challenge. The shift to solar power is vital for a developing country like India, and these solutions will help drive our vision of a solar-powered future.”
GameChangeSolar’s commitment to advancing clean energy, nurturing the next generation of engineers, and supporting innovative ecosystems is evident in this partnership, further solidifying its role as a key player in the global solar energy movement.
GameChange Solar is one of the leading global providers of solar tracker systems, specializing in utility-scale and ground-mounted solar projects. With over 43 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems deployed, the company is known for its high-quality, fast-installation solutions that optimize solar plant performance and protect arrays from weather damage.
Founded in 1959 by the Government of India, IIT Madras is recognized as an Institute of National Importance. The institute offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across 18 academic departments and interdisciplinary research centers. Known for its strong entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, IIT Madras is ranked #1 in both the “Overall” and “Engineering Institutions” categories by the National Institutional Ranking Framework for six and eight consecutive years, respectively.
