Chennai (Desk) | July 10, 2025 : South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Company has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to launch a cutting-edge hydrogen innovation center in Chennai. Named the HTWO Innovation Centre, this new facility aims to accelerate research, development, and deployment of hydrogen-based technologies in India’s transportation and energy sectors.

The initiative marks a significant step in advancing India’s green energy goals and promoting clean mobility solutions. According to officials from both Hyundai and IIT Madras, the center will serve as a hub for collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies. It will focus on developing key technologies related to hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell systems.

Hyundai, which has been investing in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles globally under its HTWO brand, said this partnership reflects its long-term commitment to sustainability and innovation in India. The company sees hydrogen as a vital part of the future energy mix, especially for heavy transport and commercial vehicles where battery-electric options may have limitations.

The HTWO Innovation Centre will also support startups, researchers, and policy initiatives to help create a robust hydrogen ecosystem in India. Experts believe this collaboration could play a major role in enabling large-scale use of hydrogen fuel, which produces only water as a byproduct, and is considered one of the cleanest energy sources available today.

IIT Madras, known for its world-class research in clean energy and advanced technologies, will provide technical leadership and talent to the center. Professors and students will work alongside Hyundai’s engineers on projects related to fuel cell design, materials development, and real-world applications for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

In a joint statement, officials said the center aims to develop cost-effective and scalable solutions suited for India’s unique energy and infrastructure challenges. It will also help shape hydrogen policy frameworks and safety standards in collaboration with national and international agencies.

The launch of the center comes at a time when India is actively pushing for hydrogen adoption under its National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make the country a global hub for hydrogen production and export. The government is offering incentives and regulatory support to encourage public-private partnerships in this space.

Industry experts see this collaboration as a model for how global companies and Indian institutions can join forces to tackle complex energy challenges. The hope is that the HTWO Innovation Centre will not only produce innovative technologies but also help create a skilled workforce for the hydrogen economy.

As Hyundai and IIT Madras begin this ambitious journey, the project is expected to attract further investments and partnerships from across the hydrogen value chain, making Chennai a potential epicenter for clean energy innovation in India.