Setco Auto Signs MoU with VNIT to Drive Auto Innovation!
By Ashutosh Arora
Setco Auto Systems Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Setco Automotive Ltd., has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, to advance joint research and development in automotive technology. The partnership represents a strategic alignment of academia and industry, bringing together VNIT’s technical expertise and Setco’s manufacturing experience to foster innovation in next-generation mobility solutions.
The collaboration will focus on research areas critical to the future of transportation. Projects are expected to address new developments in drivetrains, friction-facing technologies, electric mobility, and sustainable vehicle solutions. A significant aspect of the initiative will be the establishment of a dedicated Clutch Research Laboratory within VNIT’s Mechanical Engineering Department. This laboratory will serve as a hub for product development, advanced testing, and performance optimization of clutch systems, with an emphasis on improving durability and extending component lifespan. The creation of this facility highlights the joint commitment to tackling practical challenges while simultaneously driving technological advancements.
Beyond its impact on research and development, the partnership places strong emphasis on student learning and workforce development. Through this initiative, VNIT students will gain valuable exposure to the automotive industry via internships, live projects, mentorship programs, and access to advanced testing equipment. Such opportunities are expected to provide students with practical experience that complements their academic studies, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to take on critical roles in the evolving automotive sector. By encouraging hands-on learning and problem-solving, the initiative also aims to inspire entrepreneurship and innovation among the next generation of engineers.
Harish Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director of Setco Automotive Ltd., underscored the importance of the collaboration, describing it as both a technological milestone and a platform for nurturing talent. “At Setco, innovation has always been at the core of our journey. We are happy to share this collaboration with VNIT Nagpur as this is a significant milestone, as it not only strengthens our R\&D capabilities but also brings the best of academia and industry together. By combining strong technical expertise with our decades of experience in clutch manufacturing and mobility solutions, we aim to develop technologies that will set new benchmarks in performance, durability, and sustainability,” he said.
Sheth further noted that the partnership aligns with India’s broader vision of advanced and sustainable mobility. By integrating Setco’s expertise in clutch systems with VNIT’s academic research strength, the initiative is expected to deliver solutions that can meet global performance standards while contributing to environmentally conscious transportation. Importantly, the collaboration also builds a pipeline of talent by preparing students to engage with real-world challenges, making them industry-ready upon graduation.
The MoU between Setco Auto and VNIT reflects a growing recognition of the value of academic-industry partnerships in shaping the future of mobility. As the automotive sector undergoes rapid transformation driven by electrification, digitalization, and sustainability imperatives, collaborations of this kind are essential to accelerate innovation and ensure that emerging solutions are both technologically advanced and commercially viable. By bringing together research, application, and education, the partnership is set to play a meaningful role in shaping the next generation of automotive technologies in India and beyond.
