Kia India and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Tirupati, on Friday inaugurated ‘Inspire Works – The Makers Lab’, a state-of-the-art collaborative facility where students can conceptualise, design and develop functional prototypes, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.

The lab is part of Kia India’s investment of over ₹25 crore at the IIT-Tirupati campus over a five-year period, covering infrastructure, student scholarships and research and development. The company had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the institute on May 9, 2025, to establish a long-term strategic partnership.

Kia India Chief Administrative Officer Taehyun Kim and IIT-Tirupati Director K. N. Satyanarayana jointly inaugurated the facility. The event was attended by Kia India’s senior leadership, deans, heads of departments, faculty members, staff and students.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Satyanarayana expressed the hope that Inspire Works would evolve into a centre for innovation not only for IIT-Tirupati students but also for school students, faculty members, start-ups and innovators from the wider community. He urged learners to think boldly, work diligently and use technology responsibly for the benefit of society.

Mr. Kim said the lab reflected Kia India’s commitment to collaborative innovation. By investing in world-class infrastructure at IIT-Tirupati, the company aimed to create an ecosystem where young engineers could transform ideas into practical solutions. He described the facility as a launchpad for the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers who would help shape India’s future.

Published - August 07, 2026 07:05 pm IST