Mercedes-Benz R&D India (MBRDI) has signed a five-year agreement with Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani to work together on advanced technology research.
This partnership will focus on developing new technology solutions and promoting collaboration in higher education and research projects. They will work on joint R&D projects, hold academic and professional events, and exchange researchers and students. Both organizations will share lab facilities, advise research students, seek co-funding, publish papers, and protect intellectual property.
Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of MBRDI, said that this industry-academia partnership is key to solving complex challenges and fostering innovation. Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, added that this agreement will help drive innovation and benefit both institutions and society.
The collaboration aims to boost digital skills in India, with a focus on software development, data and AI, electric mobility, and transformative technologies like generative AI. Several projects have already started under this partnership, led by Professors Poonam Goyal, Amit R Singh, and Navneet Goyal. This partnership also aims to continue the long-term relationship of talent placement and development for interns and graduates at MBRDI.
Founded in 1964, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is renowned for its excellence in higher education, research, and innovation. Over the decades, BITS Pilani has grown into a multi-campus institution recognized for fostering innovation and academic excellence. Ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings 2025, BITS Pilani is noted for its significant achievements among Indian universities. It holds the top position for Employment Outcomes and Sustainability among private institutions in India, and has been ranked #1 in the Times All India Engineering Institutes Ranking Survey 2024.
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) stands as the largest research and development center for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside of Germany. Established in 1996, MBRDI plays a crucial role in advancing technologies such as connected vehicles, autonomous driving systems, and electric mobility solutions. Located in Bengaluru and Pune, MBRDI employs over 8,500 professionals who are dedicated to digital product development, interior component design, IT engineering, and related services.
