The upcoming facility will be known as MIT-KEF R&D Centerandwill be built on the premises of the Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal for a total investment of Rs 10 crores, with an equal contribution from both partners.

The foundation stone for the MIT-KEF R&D Center was laid by Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor, Manipal University, along with Faizal E. Kottikollon, and Mrs. Shabana Faizal, founders of KEF Holdings on Nov  28 at 2:30 p.m.

KEF Holdings has pioneered technology-driven offsite construction in India through their infrastructure arm, KEF Infra, at their KEF Infra One industrial park located in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu - the world’s largest infrastructure facility of its kind. The company hopes to contribute in India’s progress through providing high quality, integrated infrastructure solutions by employing the best in-class technology from around the globe. KEF Infra is also working closely with Manipal University to enrich the curriculum of its civil engineering and architecture programme by introducing in-depth modules on offsite and modular construction, drawing from its veritable experience in the field of smart construction.

The MIT-KEF R&D Center is meant to provide budding engineers with practical know how about offsite construction – the future of global infrastructure and construction industry.

Talking about the partnership, Ramdas M. Pai said, “I am happy that Faizal is contributing Rs 5 crores for the project and am also happy that he is an alumnus. I wish that more and more alumni take interest in our projects by way of grants and donations and continue to contribute to the growth of the University. This project will help Manipal Institute of Technology, one of the leading engineering colleges in the country, to do better and get a name in construction technology as well”.

Speaking at the event, Faizal E. Kottikollon, Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings said, “I have been an engineering student myself and I am aware of the critical role that applied learning and research has in an engineer’s career growth. Today, India has some of the best talent in the world and through this R&D facility, we hope to further hone their talents and make them future-ready for the engineering challenges they will face once they have completed their education here. Having graduated in Civil Engineering from M.I.T and also my MBA from TAPMI, I have deep regard for the institution. I have always wanted to make a contribution towards strengthening the R&D facility of my alma mater; I am happy that we could make this a reality today.”

This collaboration with M.I.T also becomes significant in light of KEF Holding’s focus on education as a key driver of growth. Through its philanthropic arm, The Faizal & Shabana Foundation, KEF Holdings has been working on several projects in India as well as in the UAE that have education and health as central themes. The collaboration with Manipal University to set up the MIT-KEF R&D Centertoo is an endeavor undertaken under the aegis of The Faizal and Shabana Foundation.

The proposed facility will cover a sprawling area of about 28,000 square feet, comprising of several design studios, well equipped casting and testing laboratories for precast joints, beams and slabs, modelling and simulation laboratories, a conference hall, and a museum. The knowledge and hands-on experience that the students gather at the MIT-KEF R&D Center can be put to good use at the KEF Infra One industrial park in Krishnagiri, as the company plans to hire talent from the university for internships as well as full time roles.

Established in 2007, KEF Holdings is a new era social enterprise registered in Singapore. Founded by Faizal E. Kottikollon, the company operates across India, the Middle East and Singapore.

The company has six business verticals – KEF Infra, KEF Health, KEF Education, KEF Agri, KEF Metals and KEF Investments – that focus on the infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, metals and investment sectors respectively. KEF’s industrial forte lies in its ability to create integrated business processes and deliver cutting-edge off-site construction technology and solutions, including precast, prefabricated bathrooms, joinery and aluminum glazing. The company applies this expertise to the creation and upgrades for essential infrastructure, such as educational, healthcare, commercial and residential facilities.

KEF Holdings is guided by the philanthropic vision of its founder and Chairman Faizal E. Kottikollon and his wife Shabana Faizal, Vice Chairperson. The company, in close collaboration with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, actively drives, funds and supports high-impact social activities undertaken by the Faizal and Shabana Foundation. KEF Holdings does this through providing innovative industrial technologies, products and processes designed to create shared value by increasing productivity, quality and sustainability.