Setco Auto and VNIT Nagpur Establish Joint Research Lab to Accelerate Automotive Innovation

The research facility will serve as a platform for innovation in clutch systems, friction materials, performance optimization, and advanced engineering design. The initiative will also explore the use of digital engineering tools and emerging technologies such as Generative AI to accelerate product development and improve system performance.

The laboratory was inaugurated on March 11, 2026, by Mr. Harish Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director of Setco, along with Mr. Neeraj Singhal, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rohan Karbade, Head – R&D, and Dr. Prem Lal Patel, Director of VNIT Nagpur, in the presence of faculty members and students from the Mechanical Engineering Department.

The collaboration aims to create opportunities for faculty, researchers, and students to work closely with industry experts on real-world engineering challenges, while enabling Setco to benefit from cutting-edge academic research and fresh engineering talent.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Harish Sheth, CMD, Setco Auto Systems, said:

“Strong partnerships between industry and academia are essential for driving meaningful innovation. Our collaboration with VNIT Nagpur reflects Setco’s commitment to fostering research-driven engineering and nurturing the next generation of innovators. By integrating academic insight with industry experience and emerging technologies such as Generative AI, we can develop smarter and more sustainable solutions for the mobility sector.”

The initiative reinforces Setco’s broader vision of building a future-ready engineering ecosystem in which collaborative research, digital technologies, and young engineering talent advance the capabilities of India’s automotive industry.

About Setco Auto Systems Pvt. Ltd.

Setco Automotive Ltd., incorporated in 1982, is one of India's leading manufacturers of heavy-duty clutches and driveline components for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. With four manufacturing units, over 1,000 skilled employees, and a portfolio of more than 100 products, Setco serves marquee OEMs and aftermarket customers across India and global markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, SAARC nations, and the Middle East. The company holds IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications. For more information, visit www.setcoauto.com.

If you would like more information, please contact Zarmina Khan at zkhan@setcoauto.com