STEM and AI Driving Innovation in theRe-Shaping the Automotive Industry
Latha Chembrakalam
Head of Technical Center India,
Continental Automotive India
STEM as a career is among the most sought-after professional courses in India. According
to Statista, 34 percent of students opt for STEM courses in India, producing the most
graduates in this field. According to the University Grants Commission, over 10.7 million
students were studying Science, Engineering or Technology or Computer Science in 2016 -
17 and they made up 36 percent of those studying in universities and colleges.
STEM’s Significance in India's Growth
In a country like India that is undergoing fast infrastructural and economic development, and
STEM education is contributinges extensively to itsconsiderably to the larger growth story.
The IT boom has further also accelerated this shift, further and has makingde India a vital
destination for MNCs who want to set up their manufacturing hubs ands well as R&D
centers. AI’s integration into STEM is a core component of today’s industry practices and
also paves the way for some groundbreaking innovations.
With AI reshaping all the fields, automotive industry being no exception.industries, especially
the automotive and tech-based ones, there is a mounting need for engineering students to
have not just basic knowledge of STEM but also a readiness to navigate these emerging
sectors. Therefore, Iin order to remain competitive, engineering students in India must
recognize and adopt these shifts quickly. A world of new opportunities can be unlocked by
this readiness, and it will help position them as favorites in the global tech ecosystem.
AI and STEM in Automotive
We know that the increasingly complex modern vehicles of today have considerable tech
integration. The automotive industry relies on interdisciplinary STEM skills that goes beyond
traditional mechanical engineering at present. The rise of EVs and autonomous vehicles will
continue in 2025, and they rely majorly on STEM skills. There will be a huge demand for
engineers skilled in battery technology, robotics, AI, and sensor technology. A strong STEM
foundation will give students the ability to develop next-generation automotive technologies
to enhance safe mobility.
Preparing Students for the Future
Students who will soon enter the workforce need a new set of competencies, including skills
in areas like AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, robotics, and sensor technology, especially
with the growth in prominence of EVs and autonomous vehicles. AI skills, data science, and
sustainable energy will be key to being successful in STEM roles in 2025.
Challenges in STEM Education
India has a few of the world’s top engineering institutions; however, the quality of STEM
education differs. Many institutions have obsolete curricula and insufficient faculty training.
There is thus a skills gap for graduates entering the workforce. Major transformations are
needed in India in faculty development, teaching methodologies, and infrastructure
environment to improve the situation and to create a more dynamic learning space. This
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transformation is essential for producing graduates capable of addressing real-world
engineering and technology challenges.
Promoting Diversity in STEM
Addressing gender disparity in STEM is crucial, particularly in industries like automotive
manufacturing. A couple of decades back, STEM courses had fewer female enrollments, but
gradually there has been a radical improvement. Presently, the ratio of female junior
engineers entering the workforce is almost equal to their male counterparts in most
companies. Also, in senior and mid-level positions, the presence of women professionals is
gradually increasing.
While there is a positive shift in female representation among junior engineers, sustaining
this requires organizational support. Programs like Continental’s WeLead aim to prepare
women for leadership roles by providing training in essential skills. Such initiatives are vital
to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce that benefits from a variety of perspectives.
Academia-Industry Collaboration
The industry and academia need to work together in an active manner to meet future
demands and bridge the existing skill gaps to equip students with practical skills. Industry-
sponsored labs, Internships, partnerships for research, etc. are all vital for students to get an
opportunity to gain real-world experience and industry knowledge. Academic programs
ought to be aligned with industry needs to help students be better prepared for the demands
of the future.
Continental too has partnered with Tier I institutes like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIIT Bangalore,
IIIT Delhi, etc. over the years and works closely with these institutes to develop industry-
relevant curricula.
Building an Inclusive Future
The real challenge is to sustain women’s growth to the leadership level. For this,
organizations should put in efforts to ensure a flexible work environment and devise special
programs to support women returning from a career break. Also, in Continental, through a
Phygital program spread across seven months, a comprehensive development of India
Women Talent is ensured with a long-term perspective. These programs essentially cover
the aspects of reskilling, upskilling, mentoring, and other leadership and career development
initiatives.
STEM's Role in Sustainable Mobility
To address numerous challenges, sustainable mobility is mostly dependent on the
interdisciplinary nature of STEM. Developing sustainable mobility involves the study and use
of electric, hydrogen, and biofuels – that is the alternative energy sources. STEM disciplines
contribute significantly to R&D efforts in sustainable transportation. Engineers in materials
science, chemistry, and mechanical engineering play a vital role in developing EV batteries
and making them more efficient. They also help in cutting costs, and improving solutions in
energy storage.
STEM knowledge is also a must have when it comes to designing smart infrastructure,
including EV charging stations and intelligent transportation systems. So, STEM is an
exciting space for students who are interested in environmental sustainability.
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AI and STEM Education
Since most industries are implementing AI technologies, engineering students have to be
comfortable with AI applications within their fields. AI in STEM education has a lot of scope,
be it in automating routine tasks or even in facilitating data-driven decision-making.
Conversely, there are also some challenges including the need for an up-to-date curriculum
content and the prerequisite for hands-on AI training. Institutes have to focus on equipping
students with the necessary resources and mentorship that is needed to bridge these gaps
in an effective manner.
Data-Driven Decision Making in Automotive
With the rise of IoT, engineering students can look at careers that are focused on data
analysis and cybersecurity in automotive. Skills in data science and mathematics are a must
in analyzing vast amounts of data, enhancing vehicle safety, and optimizing user
experiences. STEM skills are also vital to analyze transportation patterns, optimize routes,
and develop algorithms to improve public transportation efficiency.
Vehicles of today are becoming more connected, so there is a need for experts in
cybersecurity who can protect data and ensure the integrity of these connected systems.
STEM experts specialized in cybersecurity are needed to ensure data safety and safeguard
vehicles from hacking.
Road Ahead
Today, as India is on a quest to mark its place as a global engineering and tech hub, the
defining factor of the country’s future talent scene will be the integration of AI and emerging
STEM trends. Engineering students are currently on the threshold of an era where AI, data-
driven innovation, and sustainable technologies are reshaping all industries.
Rethinking, crafting, building, and transforming this field of study will be what paves the way
for a future that is sustainable. In order to seize these opportunities, students must prioritize
upskilling, stay up-to-date on the latest developments, and nurture a mindset of lifelong
learning and adaptability. These ever-changing, fast-paced technologies offer vast
opportunities to learn and grow, and with it, engineers will possess the ability to create a
never-seen-before world.
Embracing AI and its vast applications within STEM education is what will empower the next
generation of engineers to drive sustainable change, lead with innovation, and tackle the
complex challenges that lie ahead.
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