In a major step towards strengthening India’s electric mobility ecosystem, SRM Institute of Science and Technology has entered into a strategic partnership with Ather Energy through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry.
The collaboration marks a shift towards industry integrated learning, where students will gain direct exposure to real world challenges in the electric vehicle sector. At the centre of this initiative is the launch of the ‘Ather Forge’ Technology Centre on the SRM campus. The facility is designed to function as an innovation hub where students can develop practical skills, work on live projects, and explore solutions in electric mobility.
The initiative is expected to go beyond traditional classroom learning by encouraging innovation driven education. Students will be able to engage with advanced EV technologies, research based assignments, and problem solving exercises aligned with industry needs. This approach aims to prepare a new generation of engineers who are industry ready from the start of their careers.
One of the key highlights of the partnership is the introduction of long duration internships ranging from six months to one year. These internships will allow students to work closely with industry teams while continuing their academic programmes. This model is expected to provide deeper learning exposure compared to conventional short term internships and significantly improve employability.
According to Arif Ahmed Sharif, the company has always grown within a campus driven innovation ecosystem and continues to invest in nurturing young talent. He noted that collaborations like this help identify future innovators early and give them a platform to contribute meaningfully to the EV industry.
On the academic side, S. Ponnusamy stated that the partnership will strengthen the university’s research infrastructure in electric mobility. He added that such initiatives will open new pathways in sustainable transportation research and help students align their learning with future industry requirements.
The ‘Ather Forge’ centre is expected to act as a bridge between academic theory and industrial application. It will bring together education, research, and real time industry experience under one platform. The collaboration also reflects the growing importance of electric mobility in India’s clean energy transition.
With the EV sector expanding rapidly, this partnership is seen as a timely move to create a skilled workforce ready to meet future demands. It also reinforces the role of academia industry collaborations in shaping innovation led growth in India’s technology landscape.
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