Union minister Kumaraswamy proposes ICAT's third EV and automotive tech centre in Bengaluru

Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy at International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, Haryana

Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy has proposed the third International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT-III) in Bengaluru on January 20.

ICAT is a top automotive testing, certification, and R&D service provider under National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP), Government of India.

"The proposed facility will focus on cutting-edge advancements in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology, software-defined vehicles (SDVs), autonomous systems, and data security, positioning Bengaluru as a hub for innovation and excellence in this domain" said Kumaraswamy.

He said that all efforts will be made to bring this state-of-the-art facility to Bengaluru.

Highlighting the city’s strategic advantages as India’s IT hub with a robust talent pool and a thriving ecosystem, he said: "Bengaluru has long been the nucleus of technological innovation in India. Establishing ICAT Centre-III would not only strengthen the automotive sector but also catalyse advancements in defence, railways, and sustainable technologies."

The ICAT-III facility will have advanced EV development and calibration labs, ECU design and sensor development facilities, cybersecurity labs and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) research, facilities for connected and autonomous vehicle technologies and software testing and development for Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs).

“These facilities align with emerging trends in Internet of Things (IoT), telematics, and vehicular IT services. They aim to propel innovation in mobility while ensuring data security and sustainability in the automotive landscape” said Kumaraswamy in a statement.

Stressing Bengaluru’s suitability for hosting ICAT Centre-III, Kumaraswamy said, “With its unparalleled IT ecosystem, skilled workforce, and industry-ready infrastructure, Bengaluru is the ideal choice for a facility that integrates advanced automotive IT services with next-generation mobility solutions."

He also emphasised the transformative potential of this centre, adding, *"This initiative will not only drive innovation in the automotive sector but also foster research and development in allied industries like defence and railways, making Bengaluru a hub for futuristic technologies."

“The establishment of ICAT Centre-III in Bengaluru could mark a pivotal moment for India’s automotive and technology sectors, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable and cutting-edge mobility solutions” he adds.