Hyundai Motor and Kia have expanded their research partnership with seven top Indian universities. The automakers signed agreements on Friday with four new partner institutions. These include IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, and two VNIT campuses in Nagpur and Tezpur. Consequently this research partnership now covers 39 joint projects across multiple technology fields. The projects focus on battery and electrification technologies, advanced materials, and AI-based vehicle-to-grid platforms.
Hyundai CoE, or Center of Excellence, first launched in April 2025. The center began through a collaboration with three IIT campuses in Madras, Delhi and Bombay. Therefore this research partnership builds on an existing foundation of academic-industry cooperation. The automakers aim to develop localized battery designs suited to the Indian market. They also want to improve electrification performance technologies for local conditions. Furthermore the initiative helps foster engineering talent and strengthens future mobility capabilities.
Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to invite deans and professors from all seven universities to South Korea in June. The visit will discuss future cooperation opportunities and introduce the group’s mobility strategies. Kim Chang-hwan, head of the electrification energy solutions tech unit, expressed strong confidence. He said this partnership will create powerful synergies for both Hyundai and India’s sustainable growth. He also believes the Hyundai CoE will become the premier expert network in India’s academic community.
The expanded research partnership comes as Hyundai and Kia post record growth in India. The automakers achieved their highest-ever first-quarter sales in the Indian market this year. The 39 joint research projects will cover battery, electrification, and advanced materials. Some projects also explore artificial intelligence for vehicle-to-grid platforms. By working with leading Indian institutes, Hyundai and Kia gain local insights. The research partnership also helps them adapt to India’s unique driving conditions and climate.
Indian professors and researchers will receive direct exposure to Korean mobility technologies. Both sides expect the collaboration to produce tangible results within two years. This research partnership represents a strategic investment in India’s EV future. It also strengthens Hyundai Motor Group’s position as a global mobility leader. The June visit will likely yield additional agreements and project expansions. Ultimately, this research partnership benefits Indian consumers through better electric vehicles.
