Announcement
On 30 September 2026, SRM Technologies, a global technology services firm specializing in mobility, announced the launch of its Drive Next Automotive (DNA) Lab at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in Chennai.
Purpose and Scope
The DNA Lab is intended to advance automotive research and development through applied research, technology exploration, and industry‑led learning, bringing together students from Automotive, Engineering, and AI disciplines with domain experts from SRM Technologies.
Focus Areas and Capabilities
The lab will initially concentrate on advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS), AUTOSAR, automotive software, Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) testing, and verification and validation. It is equipped with high‑performance ADAS systems, a HIL setup powered by dSPACE and Vector toolchains, and a real‑time automotive V&V environment, enabling hands‑on engineering, testing, and validation across these domains.
Executive Commentary
Anantharaman Prakash, CTO of the Mobility Business Unit at SRM Technologies, stated that the DNA Lab provides an opportunity to explore solutions beyond immediate customer program demands, invest in next‑generation capabilities, and create a closer connection with academia, thereby strengthening engineering capabilities, delivering greater customer value, and building a stronger talent pipeline for the automotive sector.
Academic Perspective
Dr. Kamalakkannan K, Professor and Head of the Department of Automobile Engineering at SRMIST, highlighted that the lab complements classroom education with real industry experience, allowing students and faculty to engage with industry‑relevant technologies, contribute to applied research, and develop expertise in emerging automotive domains.
Training and Curriculum Enhancements
Beyond research, the DNA Lab will support Train‑the‑Trainer initiatives, professional electives, certification courses, and minor specializations, helping faculty stay current with emerging automotive technologies and providing students deeper expertise in key automotive areas.
Future Expansion and Vision
Sundar S, Head of the Mobility Business Unit at SRM Technologies, envisions the DNA Lab evolving into a Center of Excellence for advanced automotive engineering, where OEMs and Tier‑I suppliers can collaborate to deploy dependable innovations that advance mainstream vehicle development and lifecycle engineering. Plans include expanding engineering and research capabilities through additional infrastructure, broader training programs, and joint research and proof‑of‑concept development.
About SRM Technologies
SRM Technologies is a global partner for embedded, digital, and product engineering services, offering deep domain expertise and engineering‑led innovation across embedded software, software‑defined and connected vehicles, ADAS, electrification and EV solutions, digital cockpit systems, automotive cybersecurity, and verification and validation, supporting customers throughout the automotive software development lifecycle.
About SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST)
SRMIST is a multidisciplinary institution focused on education, research, innovation, and industry collaboration, connecting academic knowledge with evolving technology and real‑world applications through applied and cross‑disciplinary research, industry partnerships, and experiential learning.
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