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THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
In a groundbreaking development for India’s automotive and technical education landscape, Apollo Tyres Ltd and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, on Tuesday announced a first-of-its-kind strategic academic partnership to introduce a specialised elective on Tyre Technology for engineering students. This pioneering initiative marks the first time in the country that a tyre manufacturer has collaborated with a technical university to integrate tyre science, design and manufacturing directly into an engineering curriculum.
Under this landmark alliance, Apollo Tyres will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic framework of the new module by contributing to syllabus development, preparing study materials and ensuring that the curriculum aligns with the latest technological advancements and evolving industry requirements. The course aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by offering students an in-depth understanding of tyre engineering, backed by real-time industrial insights.
Speaking on the collaboration, R Mahalakshmi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for the Indian automotive sector. By bringing tyre technology into mainstream engineering education for the first time, we aim to equip young engineers with future-ready skills and real-world exposure. Through internships and on-ground training at our facilities, students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tyre design, manufacturing and testing, strengthening the talent pipeline for India’s mobility future.”
Echoing the importance of industry-academia partnerships, Prof (Dr) Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU, noted, “In the fast-growing demand for a market-ready workforce, it is imperative that Industry and Academia work closely together to develop quality tech talent. Being one of the leading technology universities, we have a strong intellectual capital and talent base to partner with industry in bridging the talent gap and nurturing future-ready digital professionals. The introduction of co-branded specialisation, ‘Tyre Technology’, will definitely give our students a new scope for innovation and edge over others.”
Adding further perspective, Prof. (Dr) Achyuta Samanta, Founder KIIT, KISS and KIMS, highlighted the immense learning potential embedded in one of the most vital components of mobility — tyres. He emphasised how the new programme would empower engineers to navigate complex technological challenges while embracing best practices that define global industry standards.
The collaboration promises to unlock access to niche technologies and transformative academic experiences for students, positioning them at the forefront of innovation in the mobility sector.
The event announcing the partnership was attended by distinguished personalities including Dr. B. Surekha, Dean, School of Mechanical Engineering; Prof. P. Chandra Sekhar, Associate Dean (IE), School of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT-DU; Prashant Kumar S, Head of Product Development CV TBR; Reema Sharma, Divisional Head HRBP Commercial, ISSEA; Aneet Chaku, Head FTS, ISSEA, Apollo Tyres; and Dr. Shirshendu Banerjee, Associate Dean, Industry Engagements, KIIT-DU.
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