Maruti Suzuki India Limited has strengthened its skill development initiatives with the establishment of a Smart Factory Lab at Government Polytechnic College in Lucknow, further advancing industry-academia collaboration and supporting the creation of a future-ready workforce. The initiative, launched under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, is expected to provide training to around 400 students during its inaugural year.
The Smart Factory Lab has been designed to provide diploma students with practical exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies aligned with the evolving needs of the automotive and broader manufacturing sectors. Through hands-on learning and real-world industrial applications, the facility aims to bridge the gap between classroom education and industry requirements.
The state-of-the-art laboratory features technologies such as automation systems, Industry 4.0 applications, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), pneumatics, motion control systems and energy measurement technologies. Designed to simulate modern manufacturing environments, the facility seeks to enhance students’ practical capabilities and technical proficiency.
The initiative is intended to foster the mindset and skillsets required by modern industries while improving employability and preparing students for careers in smart manufacturing.
Mr. Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said skill development continues to be a key pillar of the company’s CSR efforts. He noted that the Smart Factory Labs align with the Government of India’s Skill India mission by offering experiential learning opportunities that can help address industry skill gaps and strengthen students’ confidence in using advanced manufacturing equipment.
He further highlighted Maruti Suzuki’s broader efforts in technical education through its Japan India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) centres, established in partnership with the governments of India and Japan. These institutes focus on imparting advanced manufacturing techniques, practical training and Japanese shop-floor management principles to improve industry readiness among students.
Students at the Lucknow facility will also receive guidance from Maruti Suzuki experts, enabling them to better connect academic concepts with practical shop-floor applications and develop skills relevant to next-generation manufacturing environments.
As part of the inauguration ceremony, the OEM also recognised academic excellence by awarding merit-based scholarships to five students of Government Polytechnic College, Lucknow.
