MoU signed between IITH and SMC Japan
The contract signing of Suzuki Innovation Centre (SIC) happened in January of 2022 between IIT Hyderabad and Suzuki Motor Corporation(SMC) Japan. SIC became first of its kind project that promote open innovation between Industry, Academia and Startups between India and Japan, to be directly sponsored by a Japanese company. IIT Hyderabad was represented by, Prof B.S. Murty (Director, IIT Hyderabad), Dr Kiran Kuchi (Dean R&D), Dr P. Rajalakshmi (Dean Students), Dr Subrahmanyam (Head of TRP at IIT Hyderabad), Dr Kotaro Kataoka (Faculty In-charge of SIC) and Dr Pradeep Yemula (Co-PI of SIC). Young members from Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan were also present during the signing ceremony, including Mr Vipul Jindal (Project head of SIC on behalf of SMC), Ms Prathyuhsa (R&D at SMC Japan HQ), Mr Aoki Shunsuke (R&D at SMC Japan HQ). Interestingly, two of the representing members of SMC Japan are also the alumni of IIT Hyderabad. Senior managements from SMC Japan were also present in online mode during the signing ceremony.
