Inside JLR's New Innovation Hub in India for Future Mobility

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled its latest Open Innovation Hub in India, continuing its strategy of partnering with emerging tech startups to shape the future of customer experience and vehicle design.

Building on its established hubs in the UK, US, Israel and Brazil, the India hub will focus on advancing deep-tech applications, particularly in artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of Things (IoT), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and sensor technology.

The new hub’s launch, facilitated through a collaboration with Plug and Play, a corporate innovation platform and investor, reflects JLR's drive to engage with India’s dynamic tech startup ecosystem.

It will serve as a dedicated space where JLR’s engineering teams, alongside other stakeholders in academia, industry and government, can collaborate on creating solutions that advance sustainability, engineering and customer satisfaction.

Expanding innovation through global hubs and local partnerships

JLR’s Open Innovation Programme began in April 2022 with a mission to bridge the gap between traditional automotive engineering and emerging digital technologies. Since then, the program has engaged with more than 2,500 start-ups, resulting in 33 formal partnerships to date.

Success stories include JLR’s collaboration with UK start-up Allye to repurpose batteries from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as second-life energy storage systems and working with Energy Source in Brazil to launch the first solar-powered EV charging station.

Igor Murakami, JLR’s Innovation Director, stated: 

“Through global collaboration, JLR’s Open Innovation Programme is connecting us to the next generation of talent and technologies.”

“The addition of a Hub in India will support JLR’s engineering teams to innovate quickly to support vehicle design, features and improve customer experiences.”

India: An emerging hub for high-tech innovation

India’s rapidly growing tech startup ecosystem, combined with JLR’s strong presence in the region and links to the Tata Group, made it an ideal location for the latest Innovation Hub.

By launching in India, JLR is strategically positioned to leverage local expertise and resources to address future mobility challenges, especially in areas like EV infrastructure, sustainability and next-gen automotive solutions.

Partnering for a sustainable future

The partnership with Plug and Play highlights JLR’s focus on developing technologies that support a sustainable future. By joining forces with a recognised player in corporate innovation, JLR is positioning itself at the forefront of the global mobility ecosystem.

The collaboration aims to identify groundbreaking solutions that align with JLR’s commitment to sustainability and deliver unique customer experiences.

Sobhan Khani a Plug and Play Partner, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating:

“Plug and Play’s partnership with JLR will continue to enhance our global mobility ecosystem. The initiative empowers innovators to develop transformative technologies that redefine the future of mobility and align with JLR’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”

A platform for future-focused collaboration

The Open Innovation Hub in India expects to drive breakthroughs that will influence not only JLR’s product offerings but the broader mobility landscape.

With Plug and Play involvement and a collaborative network of startups and partners, the India hub will work on optimising batteries for EV powertrains, refining ADAS and determining effective locations for EV charging infrastructure.

As JLR’s fifth innovation hub, the India launch reinforces the company’s strategy of positioning itself as an industry leader through open, collaborative innovation.

By establishing strong connections within India's tech scene and focusing on future-ready solutions, JLR is committed to advancing sustainable mobility and redefining luxury in the EV age.

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