IIT Bombay inaugurates Arun Firodia Research Floor 

The Kinetic Group has announced the inauguration of the Arun Firodia Research Floor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay in Powai. The Electrical Engineering Research department at the renowned institution has been dedicated to and named after Kinetic Group Chairman Dr Arun Firodia. 

The inauguration ceremony, held on April 5, 2024, was attended by a number of dignitaries including Subhasis Chaudhuri, director of IIT, faculty heads, students, and members of the Kinetic Group. Dr Arun Firodia, chairman of the Kinetic Group and an alumnus of IIT Bombay, has been a pivotal figure in India's engineering and automotive landscape, exemplifying innovation, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to advancing engineering education. 

File picture of Dr Arun Firodia with the Kinetic Luna. At its peak, the Luna sold over 2,000 units a day and is estimated to have sold over 10 million cumulatively. The Luna has been reborn in an electric avatar, the E-Luna.

Dr. Arun Firodia, known as ‘Mr. R&D’ has created pathbreaking products like the famous Kinetic Luna moped (pictured above), which gave mobility to the common man and the Kinetic Honda scooter. He has had a lazer-sharp focus on development of indigenous technology and ‘Make in India’ and has been involved in developing electric vehicles through to innovations like an earthquake warning system, digital nose to trace drugs and explosives, and the ‘Divya Nayan’ book reader. In 2012, Dr Firodia was conferred with the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian honours in recognition of his contribution to nation building. 

Dr Firodia, who graduated with a B.Tech in electrical engineering from IIT, Bombay in 1965, received Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the USA. He also has an MS in Management at the Sloan School of Management at MIT.

IIT Bombay has previously awarded him its Distinguished Alumnus Award and MIT also recognized his contributions with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his achievements and exceptional service to the country, society and MIT. Dr Firodia is also a recipient of the ‘Hall of Pride’ award instituted by CII, SIAM and ACMA for his lifetime contribution to the Indian automotive industry.

Speaking on the inauguration at IIT Bombay, Dr. Arun Firodia, Chairman, Kinetic Group, said, "IIT Bombay had just been established as a world-class institution when I graduated as one of its first alumni, and it is now one of the finest engineering education institutions globally. My education at IIT instilled in me a belief in innovation and the 'Make in India' ethos, which has been fundamental to my journey and that of the Kinetic Group. I express my gratitude to my alma mater and offer my best wishes to the future engineers of India, who will certainly play a significant role in shaping the world."

Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay, commended Dr. Firodia's dedication to excellence, remarking, "We are delighted to recognize Dr. Arun Firodia's outstanding achievements in contributing to bringing ease of mobility to common people in India with the inauguration of the Arun Firodia Research Floor. Our distinguished alumnus, Dr. Firodia, is a true pioneer and we are proud of him. Naming this floor after him symbolizes our deep appreciation of his contribution to IIT and the field of engineering and reaffirms our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation at IIT Bombay. We thank him for his contribution to furthering the advanced research work at IIT, Bombay."

The inauguration of the Arun Firodia Research Floor is part of the Kinetic Group's effort at supporting educational institutions and empowering future generations of engineers and innovators.