Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) have entered into a new research partnership aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. The two organisations have signed a five-year Master Research Agreement (MRA) to work together on joint research programmes and create new pathways for knowledge development.
IIT DELHI, MERCEDES-BENZ SIGN FIVE-YEAR MASTER RESEARCH AGREEMENT
The collaboration will focus on areas linked to the future of mobility and advanced engineering systems. These include quantum technologies, future materials, neuromorphic engineering, and electric mobility.
The partnership seeks to combine fundamental academic research with applied engineering to build practical solutions and generate intellectual property.
Officials from both institutions said the agreement is designed to create a structured framework where researchers and engineers can work together on emerging technologies that are expected to influence the next phase of the mobility sector.
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India also described the partnership as part of its long-term approach to innovation through collaboration with academic institutions.
Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of MBRDI, said the partnership comes at a significant moment for the company.
“This year marks 140 years since the invention of the automobile, a chapter that reflects the beginning of Mercedes-Benz’s journey in shaping mobility,” Saale said.
He also noted that MBRDI is marking 30 years of engineering work in India.
“We envision a future where academia and industry are systemically partnering to address real-world challenges and provide meaningful breakthroughs. In that context, our collaboration with IIT Delhi is a significant step in our journey of innovation, helping us redefine mobility faster and better,” he said.
INITIAL RESEARCH TO FOCUS ON QUANTUM SENSORS AND BATTERY SYSTEMS
According to the institutions, the first phase of the partnership will begin with a research project focused on quantum sensors and battery systems. These areas are seen as important for improving sensing technologies and advancing energy storage solutions for future mobility systems.
The project will be led by Professor Nirat Ray from IIT Delhi’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Prof. Saurabh Saxena from the Centre for Automotive Research and Tribology (CART) will jointly steer the research effort.
The initiative will bring together interdisciplinary researchers from IIT Delhi and engineering teams from MBRDI. The teams will work on joint research, prototype development, and real-world validation of technologies.
Officials said the aim is to move research outcomes beyond laboratories and towards scalable technology solutions that can support future mobility systems.
The partnership also reflects a wider trend in which global companies are increasingly working with universities to explore emerging technologies such as quantum systems, advanced materials, and next-generation mobility platforms.
