Garrett Motion and IISc Collaborate on New Research Hub for Next- Gen Mobility Solutions
The newly inaugurated research lab in Bangalore will focus on AI-driven development and advanced electrified solutions, accelerating progress in zero-emission mobility technologies.
A New Era of Automotive Innovation Begins in India
Bengaluru, India – In a significant step toward redefining the future of zero-emission vehicles, Garrett Motion Inc., a global leader in automotive technology, has established an advanced research laboratory at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. The newly inaugurated 5,000-square-foot facility aims to foster cutting-edge research and development in sustainable mobility, combining Garrett’s decades of industry expertise with IISc’s renowned academic and research capabilities.
Pioneering Technology for Zero-Emission Vehicles
As the global demand for greener and more efficient mobility solutions rises, Garrett Motion’s move to strengthen its research footprint in India signifies a bold commitment to innovation. The new research hub is designed to accelerate the development of next-generation turbo technologies, electrified solutions, and AI-driven testing methodologies that promise to revolutionize the efficiency and sustainability of zero-emission vehicles.
“With nearly 70 years of leadership in cutting-edge technology, we at Garrett have mastered the optimization and power of turbocharging, enhancing performance and reducing emissions,” said Garrett President and CEO Olivier Rabiller. This collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science marks a significant milestone for Garrett as we seek to push the boundaries of technology that advance mobility in the rapidly evolving automotive world.”
Expanding a 15-Year Partnership with IISc
The collaboration between Garrett Motion and IISc is not new, having spanned over 15 years. This partnership has now reached a new milestone with the establishment of the state-of-the-art research hub. JP Govindarajan, Managing Director & General Manager of Garrett Motion India, underscored the significance of this expansion: “The new laboratory strengthens our joint research initiatives, providing us with access to a highly skilled talent pool of researchers and engineers at IISc. Together, we will develop cutting-edge solutions that boost the performance of zero-emission vehicles.”
This synergy between academia and industry reflects a growing trend in global innovation, where research institutions and businesses collaborate to drive sustainable solutions. Prof. Balan Gurumoorthy, Director of the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) at IISc, expressed optimism for the future. “Our joint research programs, which involve hands-on experimentation and real-world testing, will benefit both IISc students and Garrett’s teams. This collaboration embodies the perfect marriage of theoretical and practical knowledge,” Gurumoorthy explained.
IISc: India’s Premier Research Institution
The Indian Institute of Science, with its illustrious history of over 115 years, continues to be India’s leading institution for advanced scientific and technological research. Established in 1909 through a visionary partnership between industrialist Jamsetji Tata, the Mysore royal family, and the Government of India, IISc has been a driving force in promoting material and industrial progress in India. Its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities have positioned IISc at the forefront of innovation in multiple scientific domains.
In 2024, IISc was ranked first in the Universities and Research categories and fourth in Innovation in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), affirming its status as a trailblazer in the field of education and research.
Garrett Motion India’s Expanding Footprint
Garrett Motion India has been a significant player in the country’s automotive sector since it began operations in 2005. With over 1,200 employees across three locations—Pune, Bangalore, and Madurai—the company has established itself as a key partner to leading automotive manufacturers. Notably, its R&D center in Bangalore made history in 2011 by developing the world’s smallest turbocharger, specifically designed for developing markets.
With this new research hub at IISc, Garrett India continues its legacy of innovation by exploring advanced technologies such as electric propulsion systems, turbochargers for hybrid and electric vehicles, and fuel cell compressors for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Mobility
The establishment of Garrett Motion’s advanced research hub at IISc is a pivotal moment for both partners. As the automotive industry faces the challenge of transitioning to sustainable and zero-emission vehicles, the combination of Garrett’s industry-leading expertise and IISc’s academic prowess promises to generate innovative solutions that could transform the global mobility landscape.
With a focus on AI-driven methodologies, electrification, and cutting-edge technologies, this collaboration is set to drive the automotive industry into a greener and more efficient future, where zero-emission vehicles become the norm, not the exception.
