HARMAN collaborates with PES University to innovate automotive software solutions

Samsung-owned HARMAN has joined forces with Bengaluru's PES University to advance software solutions for future automobiles. The collaboration involves over 25 students and eight faculty members, marking a significant step in HARMAN's efforts to integrate academic expertise into automotive innovation. The company is also engaging with other Bengaluru-based institutions for similar partnerships.

Bengaluru at the Core of Automotive Software Evolution

Krishna Kumar, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of HARMAN India, highlighted Bengaluru's pivotal role in shaping global automotive software. He noted that the city, long recognized as a software hub, now drives innovations for connected vehicles worldwide. HARMAN’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru acts as a central engineering hub, linking research and development with scalable manufacturing and real-world applications.

Nearly 80% of HARMAN’s 4,000 automotive engineers in India operate out of Bengaluru, contributing technologies that power vehicles across North America, Europe, and Asia. The GCC also collaborates with leading universities in the city to transform emerging technologies into market-ready solutions.

Contributions to Global Standards and Local OEMs

HARMAN’s Bengaluru-based engineers play an active role in shaping global technology standards through their involvement with organizations like IEEE and the 5G Automotive Association. These efforts aim to define the future of connected mobility. The GCC has achieved a key milestone by securing adoption of its platform by both Indian and global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Locally, HARMAN serves as Tata Motors’ exclusive Tier 1 supplier for cockpit and infotainment systems, including those in its electric vehicles. Collaborations with Mahindra & Mahindra have introduced premium audio systems in electric SUVs, while its long-standing partnership with Maruti Suzuki underscores the growing demand for connected features across mainstream vehicle segments.

Bengaluru’s Role in Software-Defined Vehicles

As the automotive industry shifts toward software-defined vehicles, Bengaluru is emerging as a critical player. The city is not only driving innovations in connected mobility but also delivering production-ready technologies to OEMs in India and abroad, according to Krishna Kumar.

Source: The Hindu