News, 2 June 2025
Stellantis India has partnered with ASSIST Asia to launch Project INSPIRE, a significant Corporate Social Responsibility effort designed to bridge the skills gap in India’s mobility and manufacturing sectors. The program was launched at NITTTR Chennai, with participation from representatives across academia, industry, and government, supporting Tamil Nadu’s goal of becoming a key hub for engineering talent and sustainable industrial development. Training began on May 26, 2025, at NITTTR Chennai, with plans to expand to Pune. Project INSPIRE supports national initiatives like Viksit Bharat 2047 and Industry 4.0, aiming to prepare young Indians for employment in emerging, technology-driven industries.
The program, named INSPIRE for Integrating Sustainability, Progress, Innovation, Readiness, and Employability, will provide practical training to 2,500 students from industrial training institutes and vocational schools in areas such as electric vehicle systems, advanced mechatronics, and robotics. It will also certify 200 Master Trainers to ensure the program’s long-term viability. Students will also receive training in green practices, digital and financial literacy, health and safety, and job readiness.
The initiative has set measurable targets, including placing 75% of trained students in internships or employment, achieving 30% female participation, and increasing entry-level wages by 20%. It also aims for an 85% course completion rate and plans to strengthen ten technical institutions through closer integration with industry needs. Karunakaran K, Country Head of ASSIST Asia, emphasized that the program addresses the critical need for practical, industry-aligned training in India’s automotive sector, preparing the workforce for technologies like electric mobility, robotics, and automation that are transforming the industry.
Chennai and Pune were selected due to their established automotive sectors and educational infrastructure, providing an ideal environment for aligning technical training with employment opportunities. The launch event at NITTTR Chennai brought together educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, marking the start of a program aimed at strengthening technical education across India. Beyond Project INSPIRE, Stellantis India has invested in education in Tamil Nadu by upgrading schools near its Thiruvallur plant with STEM laboratories and improved infrastructure, benefiting over 1,500 students. The company also promotes innovation through partnerships with institutions like NIT Tiruchirappalli and supports faculty development through the Naan Mudhalvan program, reaching over 10,000 students, demonstrating Stellantis’ commitment to enhancing education and supporting regional development.
About Stellantis India
Stellantis India is a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V., an automaker. It also engages in various corporate social responsibility initiatives to support education and community development in India.
About ASSIST Asia
ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) is an non-governmental organization focused on capacity building and promoting sustainable practices across Asia and Africa . Established in 2003, ASSIST partners with organizations from the private sector, academia, government, and civil society to achieve social impact and empower communities.
