BMW’s EV Pioneer Stefan Juraschek Engages Kerala’s Emerging Engineers at Acsia Campus Connect
Thiruvananthapuram, 28th August 2024: In a remarkable gathering at the College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET), Stefan Juraschek, the visionary behind BMW’s electric vehicle revolution and now Strategic Advisor at Acsia Technologies, inspired over 160 engineering students with his deep insights into the future of automotive technology. Juraschek, revered as the “Father of EV Vehicles at BMW,” captivated the audience with his insights into the evolving world of automotive technology, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). His message was clear: innovation, perseverance, and collaboration are key to shaping the future of the automotive industry. The event was organized in collaboration with the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE), College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) India.
Hosted by Acsia, a global leader in automotive software solutions specializing in Digital Cockpits & Displays, e-Mobility, and Telematics, the Acsia Industry Campus Connect Program provided an invaluable opportunity for students from 10 leading engineering colleges to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge developments in e-mobility, digital cockpits, and more.
Acsia Campus Connect event was held on the sidelines of the inauguration of Acsia’s new Global Headquarters and Research & Development Centre at Embassy Taurus TechZone in Technopark Phase III campus in Thiruvananthapuram on August 22, 2024. Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve inaugurated the event, which also featured speeches by Former Minister and Kazhakkuttam MLA Kadakampally Surendran, Principal Secretary APM Mohammed Hanish IAS, Christina Hein and German Ferreira of the BMW Group, Stefan Juraschek, Jijimon Chandran, Technopark CEO Col. Sanjeev Nair, Kerala Startup Mission CEO Anoop P. Ambika, and Taurus Investment Holdings India Head Ajay Prasad.
“At Acsia, we believe in the power of collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation. The Acsia Industry Campus Connect event is a testament to this belief, providing a platform for students to engage with industry experts and gain insights that will help them shape the future of automotive technology. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm and potential of the next generation of engineers right here in Thiruvananthapuram,” said Jijimon Chandran, CEO & Founder of Acsia.
A central highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Sojan James, Principal Architect and Subject Matter Expert at Acsia. The panel featured esteemed leaders from both academia and industry, including Mr. Jijimon Chandran; Mr. Stefan Juraschek; Mr. Nibil P. M., AVP – Technology at Acsia; and Dr. Savier, Principal of Government Engineering College, Idukki, and Former Principal of CET.
“Students had the unique opportunity to engage with domain experts in automotive software solutions. These programs offer mutual benefits for both academia and industry, fostering greater awareness among students about industry requirements. We need more initiatives like this to bridge the gap and prepare the next generation of engineers,” said Prof. Sasi N., Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, CET, and Faculty Advisor, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE India).
The discussion focused on critical topics such as E-Mobility and Vehicle Electrification, Digital Cockpits and User Experience, Telematics and Connected Vehicles, and Research and Development in Automotive Technology. The panelists shared valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within these domains, emphasizing the need for strong collaboration between educational institutions and the tech industry to prepare students for future technological challenges.
“The program was incredibly insightful, especially in understanding the latest in electric vehicle technologies. Interacting with Mr. Stefan Juraschek and the experts from Acsia gave us a real-world perspective that we don’t often get in the classroom. It was also a great opportunity to learn more about the work being done at Acsia,” said Priyadarsh K. V., a student from the Mechanical Engineering Department at CET.
“The Industry Connect sessions gave us valuable insights into real-world challenges in the automotive domain. The discussions and hands-on experiences not only deepened our understanding but also motivated us to strive for excellence in our future careers,” said Sharlet George Kurien, a third-year Computer Science & Engineering student at Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam.
An interactive Q&A session provided students with the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists. Participants posed thoughtful questions and received insightful responses that deepened their understanding of industry dynamics and expectations. This segment was particularly well-received, as it allowed students to clarify doubts and seek guidance on their future career paths.
The program not only inspired the next generation of engineers but also reinforced the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry to drive technological advancements.
Mr. Kurien Noel Keeyath, Engineer at Acsia, and Ms. Greeshma K. R., Senior Engineer at Acsia, along with Dr. Suresh, Principal of CET, and Dr. Arun Surendran, Principal of Trinity College and Strategic Advisor to Acsia, also spoke at the event.
