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Engineering a Better World: Tata Technologies’ Santosh Singh on Building the Future of Mobility, AI, and Global Talent
India is at the peak of engineering prowess. It's no longer about catching up with the world; it’s about leading the way. As industries shift to software-defined vehicles, responsible AI, and smart factories, Tata Technologies is proving how Indian ingenuity can power global transformation.
With a vision rooted in ‘Engineering a Better World’, the company is blending innovation with skill-building, turning India’s vast talent pool into a force that not only drives local growth but also shapes the future of mobility and manufacturing worldwide.
In this exclusive interview, Santosh Singh, President and Global Head of Marketing and Business Excellence at Tata Technologies, shares how the company is co-creating intelligent, sustainable solutions with global OEMs, spearheading AI adoption across manufacturing, and empowering the next generation of Indian engineers through large-scale upskilling initiatives.
How is Tata Technologies leveraging India’s innovation ecosystem to co-create solutions for global clients while empowering Indian industries?
Tata Technologies’ vision of ‘Engineering A Better World’ embodies a commitment to Innovating and Upskilling in India, for India and the World. We are harnessing the country’s vast engineering talent to upskill at scale and solve tomorrow’s mobility challenges for customers both at home and worldwide. Tata Technologies is deeply invested in the vision of innovating and upskilling in India, not only for India but also for the world. We leverage India’s thriving innovation ecosystem and abundant engineering talent to co-create breakthrough solutions across industries. For instance, our joint venture with the BMW Group is a pivotal initiative where Indian engineers are developing safety-critical software for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), a game-changer in the global automotive evolution. In India, our rapid digitalization of a dormant EV plant into a high-tech smart factory, which is capable of producing 300,000 vehicles annually in just nine months, demonstrates the agility and capability of Indian innovation. Globally, we’re also enabling digital transformation for a leading British OEM through SAP S/4HANA integration. Beyond automotive, our innovation portfolio includes AI-powered sales assistants and modular EV platforms for diverse mobility needs. Every initiative reflects our commitment to building intelligent, traceable, and sustainable systems that originate in India and serve the world, transforming Indian ingenuity into real global impact.
With Tata Technologies collaborating with many global OEMs, how are you leveraging these global partnerships and the shift to SDVs to enhance your global positioning?
Our strategic collaborations with global OEMs, such as the BMW Group and a leading Swedish automotive company, are elevating India’s role in the worldwide shift to software-defined vehicles. Tata Technologies is at the heart of this evolution, delivering advanced software, embedded systems, and electronic architecture from India. Our BMW JV, in particular, marks a landmark step in integrating Indian talent into global automotive R&D. We’re also advancing SDV innovation through partnerships with technology leaders such as Arm and Telechips, helping to build high-performance ADAS platforms and contributing to global cybersecurity standards, including UN R155. Collaborations with Emerson allow us to combine cutting-edge test systems with our engineering depth to reduce validation cycles for EVs and connected vehicles. As a premium AUTOSAR member, we’re helping set benchmarks for standardization in embedded software. These initiatives not only amplify Tata Technologies’ influence in SDV development but also reinforce India’s global reputation as an innovation hub for next-gen mobility solutions, positioning us as a trusted transformation partner in this rapidly evolving landscape.
What is Tata Technologies’ approach to responsible AI adoption in manufacturing, and how do you navigate ethical and regulatory challenges?
At Tata Technologies, we approach AI not just as Artificial Intelligence, but as ‘Augmented Ingenuity’, responsibly empowering human potential. Our AI solutions enhance manufacturing performance, elevate product design, and strengthen decision-making across the digital value chain. With a strong emphasis on transparency, fairness, and data privacy, we align with global AI safety standards while training our teams in the development of ethical AI. In sectors such as automotive and aerospace, our AI tools enable zero-defect manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and energy-efficient operations without compromising trust or safety. For example, by integrating AI on the shop floor, we reduced power consumption by 18% and increased engineering productivity by over 20%. We also design secure systems with AI-enabled Security Operations Centers (SOCs) that comply with global frameworks, such as IEC 62443. Our GenAI capabilities are being used to drive sustainability and innovation, simultaneously developing eco-friendly vehicle architectures while supporting compliance. Tata Technologies remains committed to a human-first, transparent AI approach, where trust and responsible deployment drive every layer of industrial innovation.
What role is Tata Technologies playing in shaping India’s engineering talent to compete with global markets through upskilling, digital literacy, and AI-driven capabilities?
India’s young population offers immense potential, but only if transformed into a tech-savvy workforce. Tata Technologies is leading this transformation by modernizing over 280 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics across states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. These centers now train over 2,00,000 students annually in domains such as digital manufacturing, EVs, and robotics. Our grassroots innovation programs, such as the InnoVent Hackathon, which drew over 9,000 participants in 2024 alone, empower students to tackle real-world problems using GenAI, AR/VR, and IoT technologies. Initiatives like the Velocity Internship Program give engineering students hands-on exposure to live industry projects, while Ready Engineer and STEM Ready introduce underserved youth and school children to advanced manufacturing and scientific thinking. Our iRISE program is also upskilling thousands of teachers to become innovation champions. Whether it is curriculum modernization or direct mentorship, our holistic approach nurtures both technical skills and a problem-solving mindset, creating future-ready Indian engineers who can lead innovation on the global stage.
How do you see India’s position in global engineering and manufacturing by 2030, and what role will Tata Technologies play in setting global benchmarks?
By 2030, India is expected to become the hub of global engineering, with ER&D sourcing reaching as high as $170 billion. Tata Technologies is primed to play a leading role in this shift by focusing on innovation, talent development, and global delivery excellence. Our strategy is anchored in software-defined vehicles (SDVs), AI-driven manufacturing, and embedded systems, which are growing at 25–30% annually. The BMW JV and our partnership with Emerson are strategic moves that place Indian engineering talent at the center of global transformation. We’re embedding AI into every layer of product development and operations, creating solutions that are efficient, ethical, and sustainable. From modernizing technical institutes to scaling Generative AI across design and diagnostics, we are investing in India’s future workforce while driving global competitiveness. By combining technological foresight with grassroots capability-building, Tata Technologies is not only participating in India’s rise but shaping it, helping India become an international benchmark for engineering excellence and innovation by 2030.
