IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park, (IITBBS-REP) has signed an MoU with Nagpur based pManifold EV Academy Pvt. Ltd. (evACAD) to collaborate in research, consulting and training in the New Energy areas of electric vehicles (EVs) and broader Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and other related Green Technologies (like Hydrogen, CCUS) for multi-sectoral applications, leveraging both organisations’ expertise. As part of the MoU, both the organisations have agreed to pool their resources and initiate this partnership through joint offerings of Advanced Certificate Programs (postgraduate, diploma, short-term certificate) in e-Drives and Battery Systems, which is specifically designed to meet the needs of the modern automotive and e-mobility industry.

The MoU was signed between Dr Soobhankar Pati, CEO, IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park and Mr. Rahul Bagdia, Chairman & Managing Director, pManifold EV Academy Pvt. Ltd., on 16th October 2024, in the presence of Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar. 

The Advanced Certificate Program in e-Drives and Battery Systems, developed by IITBBS REP and evACAD, targets professionals and graduates seeking advanced expertise in electric vehicle design, focusing on motors, controllers, and battery engineering. The curriculum covers EV design, energy storage, charging networks, supply chains, and sustainability. Delivered through a blend of live sessions, self-paced modules, hands-on labs, and industrial visits, it prepares learners for careers in e-mobility and energy storage.

A campus immersion at IIT Bhubaneswar offers practical learning, industry exposure, and networking. The program also features an optional end-of-course immersion for hands-on experience with startups like Archon Motors and Cellark Powertech, incubated at IIT Bhubaneswar REP. These and other IIT Bhubaneswar-based startups specializing in EV infrastructure and development will provide opportunities for live projects, ensuring students gain comprehensive, industry-ready experience.

Appreciating the initiative, Prof. Karmalkar said: “Partnerships like this mark a significant step in advancing education and innovation in electric vehicles and green technologies. Aligned with our mission to transform the entrepreneurial landscape in Odisha and leverage the state's strengths, this program will provide students with vital exposure to startups and industry, fostering industry-ready talent for real-world innovation in a sustainable future."

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Bagdia said: “With the given initiatives evACAD would like to foster and drive EV ecosystems around the world with multiple credible institutes. Having worked with 60 countries in the space of Climate, E-mobility, sustainability and utility sectors, our efforts are to impart freshers and experienced employees a platform to work on real world problems and grow their career by upskilling themselves. This MoU will act as a bridge for industry and academia to be connected and evolve workforces as per the needs of the hour.”

As part of the execution of this program, IITBBS-REP will engage with IIT Bhubaneswar faculty and appropriate companies/ startups in the e-mobility space in the IITBBS-REP ecosystem, for course delivery including lab sessions and field visits.