Hyundai to build Rs 100 cr green hydrogen ‘R&D Hub’ at IIT Madras

In a significant move to boost India’s green hydrogen ecosystem, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), in collaboration with IIT Madras and the Government of Tamil Nadu, has launched the Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre—a state-of-the-art 65,000 sq ft research and development facility dedicated to green hydrogen technologies.

Located at the IIT Madras Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, Chennai, the centre marks the first phase of HMIL’s Rs 100 crore investment to support India’s clean energy ambitions.

Funded partly through the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the project aligns with the country’s broader goals of achieving energy independence, deep decarbonization, and fostering self-reliant innovation. The centre was officially inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa.

Slated to become fully operational by 2026, the innovation hub will be equipped with advanced computational laboratories, experimental research setups, digital twin technology, and pilot-scale platforms for testing electrolyzers and hydrogen fuel cells.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of HMIL, underscored the centre’s importance in strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative and developing a talent pool focused on hydrogen technologies. IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti emphasized its role in helping India achieve its Net Zero 2070 vision and advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Functioning under Hyundai Motor Group’s global HTWO brand, the facility is envisioned as an open innovation platform that will bring together academia, industry, and government agencies. It aims to drive collaboration on indigenous hydrogen solutions, promote pilot demonstrations using containerized systems, and scale up industrial prototypes.

The launch event witnessed participation from key stakeholders including representatives from CSIR-NCL, the Korean consulate in Chennai, and various research institutions.

By enabling innovation in hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell technology, the Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre is set to play a pivotal role in building a robust and self-sustaining hydrogen economy in India—while also nurturing the skilled workforce needed to drive the country’s long-term climate and energy goals.