BITS Pilani and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India join forces for advanced technology research

Multi-year agreement to promote joint research in generative AI, electric mobility, and software development, driving innovation in new technologies and intellectual property

National, 1^st July 2024:  BITS Pilani, an institution known for its commitment to innovation, has signed a five-year Master Research Agreement (MRA) with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited (MBRDI) for advanced technology research. This collaboration will establish a framework for joint research aimed at building intellectual property in pioneering technology solutions and promoting academic collaboration for both higher education and projects.

Focusing on opportunities in the mobility sector through the exploration and development of breakthrough technologies, the scope of the collaboration will include joint R&D projects, academic and professional events, and facilitating exchanges of researchers and students. Besides this, the collaboration also enables both parties to share lab facilities, advise research students, obtain co-funding, publish papers, and protect intellectual property.

Designed to strengthen digital capabilities in the country’s talent pool, the agreement will enable greater industry-academia collaboration between the two organisations, facilitating streamlined research efforts. The areas of research will encompass software development with a focus on data and AI, electric mobility as well as transformative technologies such as generative AI.  Several notable projects are already being initiated under this partnership, guided by Prof. Poonam Goyal, Prof. Amit R Singh, and Prof. Navneet Goyal.

Prof Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani said, “We are committed to promoting innovation and excellence in research and education, and this MRA with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India is a major step in that direction. With the help of MBRDI's corporate experience and our academic competence, we want to make ground-breaking discoveries that will benefit not just our institutions but also society at large. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing our researchers and students the best possible chances to work on innovative initiatives and create answers for pressing problems. We also look forward to continuing our long-term relationship of talent placement and development for interns and graduates at MBRDI."

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India said, “Collaborations between industry and academia are crucial in tackling the complex challenges our industry faces today. The synergy between our industry expertise and BITS Pilani’s academic prowess will propel our journey towards a future of sustainable innovation. At MBRDI, we are committed to creating a culture of continuous learning and development for our talent, and this collaboration will enable enormous opportunities for scaling from idea to innovation.” 

About BITS Pilani 

Established in 1964, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is a renowned institution known for its excellence in higher education, research, and Innovation. With a legacy spanning decade, BITS Pilani has evolved into a multi-campus entity, serving as a hub for innovation and academic brilliance. BITS Pilani has been recognized in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for its remarkable growth among Indian institutions and is ranked #1 for Employment Outcomes and Sustainability among private institutions in India. BITS Pilani is also ranked #1 by the Times All India Engineering Institutes Ranking Survey 2024. And rated #3 by Lifestyle Asia as world’s most beautiful University. For more information, visit https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/. 

About Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) is the largest research and development centre for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside of Germany. Established in 1996, MBRDI plays a prominent role in the development of technologies like connected, autonomous, and electric in the world of mobility. With offices in Bengaluru and Pune, MBRDI currently employs over 8,500 professionals engaged in digital product development, interior component design, IT engineering and services.