COEP Technological University (COEP Tech), Pune, and JSW Projects, a JSW Group company, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish an Advanced Battery Research & Development Centre at COEP Tech’s Chikhali Research Park.

The centre will serve as an indigenous battery prototyping and pilot-scale R&D platform, focusing on lithium-ion and other advanced battery chemistries. The two-phase project involves a combined investment of more than ₹800 crore.

Phase I will establish a Cell Research & Development Centre for designing, simulating and prototyping lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells. Phase II will establish a Cell Validation Centre capable of producing cells with capacities ranging from 100–600 Ah.

The initiative will bring COEP Tech faculty and students together with JSW engineers to work on battery technology development, with applications across electric mobility, grid storage and clean energy.

Prof. Sunil Bhirud, Vice Chancellor, COEP Technological University, said the collaboration could help develop an indigenous alternative to imported batteries while providing students opportunities to work on battery technologies.

Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Group, said the partnership would bring industry and academia together to design, test and validate battery cells for Indian conditions.

The centre will also support joint research, publications, projects and intellectual property development. The partnership is expected to contribute to the development of India’s battery ecosystem and create potential opportunities for more than 1,000 related jobs.

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