Investing in Innovation

Salil Gupte

SP's ShowNews (SP's): How does Boeing's investment in the new 43-acre Bengaluru campus enhance its in-country presence and capabilities?

Salil Gupte (Gupte): The Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru represents Boeing's largest investment outside the United States. The center employs over 6,500 engineers and innovators across Bengaluru and Chennai, driving advancements in aerospace and supporting growth in the sector. These technologists are engaged in advanced, high-quality aerospace work, contributing expertise to Boeing's defence, space, and commercial divisions, including engineering design, manufacturing support, systems testing, and digital solutions for airline customers.

BIETC is at the forefront of cuttingedge research and development in traditional and emerging fields. Its focus areas include next-generation airplane health management, environmentally friendly coatings, advanced networks, and secure communications. The teams leverage modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things, Cloud computing, Model- Based Engineering, and Additive Manufacturing to enhance quality, safety, and productivity.

With a significant portion of Boeing's global talent pool based in India, BIETC offers a distinct advantage, particularly in digital solutions. BIETC develops solutions tailored to Indian customers while also creating Indian intellectual property. This also positions BIETC as a key resource to meet Boeing Defence India's (BDI) future engineering needs, supporting general operations, service engineering, and development-focused initiatives, including co-development and indigenous programmes.

SP's: As Boeing's largest engineering center outside the US, how does BIETC's R&D work contribute to shaping the future of Indian and global aerospace and defence?

Gupte: As Boeing's largest engineering center outside the US, BIETC goes beyond providing engineering support—it drives aerospace innovation and talent development, shaping the future of aerospace and defence in India, for India, and the world.

• Forefront of cutting-edge research and development: BIETC teams are at the forefront of pioneering work, driving advancements in next-generation airplane management, secure communication networks, and the development of innovative technologies, including the integration of AI/ML, IoT, and Cloud Computing solutions. The center's R&D efforts focus on addressing critical industry needs, such as eco-friendly coatings for sustainability and advanced aircraft health management systems for enhanced operational efficiency. These innovations reflect Boeing's unwavering commitment to tackling the industry's greatest challenges and paving the way for a transformative future in aerospace.
• Driving innovation in India, for India, and the world: The 43-acre BIETC campus in Bengaluru is a cornerstone for partnering with India on next-generation products and services for the global aerospace and defence industry.
• Fostering talent growth through industry-academia partnerships and incubator programmes: Boeing is committed to shaping the future of aerospace in India through partnerships and pioneering incubator programmes that propel talent development and innovation. With enduring collaborations with IISc to form Aerospace Network Research Consortium (ANRC) producing 75+ research papers, STEM education initiatives with RVCA college in Bengaluru, and IIT incubation centers fostering research-driven breakthroughs, Boeing is empowering the next-generation of engineering and aviation talent from India.
• Through transformative initiatives such as the Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) programme, which fosters the growth of India's startup ecosystem, and the Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition, Boeing is cultivating a world-class ecosystem to advance global aerospace excellence with strong roots in India.

SP's: How do programmes like the Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) initiative and partnerships with institutions such as IISc and IITs reinforce BIETC's commitment to fostering innovation and talent?

Gupte: Programmes like BUILD, our annual flagship aerospace innovation, leadership, and talent development programme, help our vision of fostering innovation and empowering talent. By collaborating with premier institutions such as IISc and IITs, we create opportunities for students and startups to engage with real-world aerospace challenges. BUILD equips participants with mentorship to go beyond the first stage to growth stage, platform to secure funding through exponential exposure and incubation support, ensuring their ideas are commercially viable. This initiative reflects Boeing's belief in nurturing the next generation of innovators who will drive the startup ecosystem and advance aerospace and defence sectors forward. At BIETC, these partnerships are essential to building a sustainable ecosystem that bridges academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.

SP's: How does BIETC's investment in upskilling and reskilling its workforce ensure the delivery of cutting-edge solutions for Boeing's global and local customers?

Gupte: Our commitment to workforce development is integral to our success in delivering advanced solutions. With a team of over 6500+ engineers and technologists (of our total 7000 employees in India), we prioritise upskilling through programmes such as the "Learning Together Program", which provides tuition assistance for employees. This initiative helps employees continue acquiring professional certifications and degrees while on the job. We also offer a "Technical Fellowship Program" for our technical workforce and the "Return to Flight" programme to enable equitable job opportunities for people who have taken long career breaks for various reasons. Additionally, our focus on STEM education, particularly for women and girls, helps expand the talent pipeline, and promotes diversity in aerospace engineering.