Maruti Suzuki has launched a Smart Factory Lab at Government Polytechnic College in Lucknow as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at strengthening skill development and industry-ready training for students. The initiative is designed to provide hands-on exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and help bridge the gap between classroom education and industrial requirements.
The newly established facility is expected to train around 400 diploma students during its first year. According to the company, the lab has been developed to simulate real-world manufacturing environments and introduce students to modern industrial systems used in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
The Smart Factory Lab includes technologies such as automation, Industry 4.0 systems, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), pneumatics, motion control, and energy measurement infrastructure. These technologies are increasingly being adopted in modern factories, and experts say practical exposure to such systems can significantly improve students’ employability and technical capabilities.
Company officials stated that the initiative supports the Government of India’s Skill India mission, which focuses on preparing youth for evolving industrial and technological demands. Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer for Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki, said skill development remains a key pillar of the company’s CSR activities and that such labs are intended to create future-ready professionals for India’s manufacturing sector.
Apart from providing infrastructure, Maruti Suzuki experts will also guide students in applying theoretical concepts to practical shop-floor operations. The company believes this approach can help students better understand industrial workflows, improve problem-solving abilities, and gain confidence while working with advanced equipment and smart manufacturing systems.
The company also awarded merit-based scholarships to five students during the inauguration ceremony to encourage academic excellence and technical learning. Officials described the scholarships as part of a broader effort to motivate young talent and support students pursuing careers in engineering and manufacturing fields.
Maruti Suzuki has been expanding its educational and technical training initiatives across India through partnerships with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and educational institutions. According to the company, it currently supports 31 government ITIs across 10 states and Union Territories under its CSR programme, providing training and placement assistance to students.
In addition, the company has established Advanced Manufacturing Labs in 18 ITIs and has also collaborated with the governments of India and Japan to set up four Japan-India Institutes for Manufacturing (JIMs). These institutes focus on advanced manufacturing techniques, Japanese shop-floor management practices, and soft skills required in modern industries.
Industry experts believe such initiatives are becoming increasingly important as India pushes toward becoming a global manufacturing hub. Employers across sectors are looking for workers with practical technical skills, digital manufacturing knowledge, and familiarity with automation technologies. Programmes like Smart Factory Labs are expected to help students transition more smoothly from academic learning to industrial careers.
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