Ujjwala Karle’s decision to join ARAI may have been completely unplanned, but her career at India’s automobile technology and certification agency required considerable focus and dedication from this electronics engineer.
09 Mar 2025 | 1700 Views | By Shahkar Abidi
Three decades ago, Ujjwala Karle’s career in the automotive industry began with an unexpected twist. She had merely accompanied a friend to an interview at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune. At the time, the organization was relatively unknown, and Karle herself had never considered a future in ...
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Three decades ago, Ujjwala Karle’s career in the automotive industry began with an unexpected twist. She had merely accompanied a friend to an interview at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune. At the time, the organization was relatively unknown, and Karle herself had never considered a future in automobiles. Yet, fate had other plans.
With no resume in hand and no expectations, she was encouraged to interview on the spot. To her surprise, she was selected—while her friend was not. "Initially, I was unsure about joining the automotive industry because I had never considered it as a career path," she recalls. However, a trusted mentor spoke highly of ARAI and its work, nudging her to take a chance. That leap of faith laid the foundation for a career that would redefine the role of women in automotive technology.
Unfamiliar Terrain
Breaking into an industry dominated by men wasn’t easy, especially for someone whose background was in core electronics rather than automotive engineering. Karle credits much of her early confidence and adaptability to her boss, mentor and guide Madhuri Marathe. "She is my role model and godmother," Karle says, acknowledging Marathe’s instrumental role in shaping her perspective.
Marathe had started the Automotive Electronics Department at ARAI in 1994, long before vehicle electronics became mainstream. She instilled in Karle the importance of continuous learning—an approach that proved crucial as Karle tackled complex, unfamiliar projects.
One of her earliest challenges was working on a fuel injection system for a Premier Padmini, an entirely new domain for her. The experience proved invaluable. She soon found herself involved in India’s first hybrid vehicle project in 1998, gaining an early edge in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies—long before they became industry buzzwords.
Today, as the Deputy Director and Head of the Technology Group & Digital Twin Lab at ARAI, Karle is at the forefront of emerging automotive technologies. With over 30 years of experience, she now leads teams working on cutting-edge solutions for India’s mobility ecosystem, focusing on Connected, Affordable & Accessible, Safe, Environment-Friendly & Towards Energy Independent (CASE) technologies. Her work spans autonomous vehicle systems, electric and hybrid powertrains, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), AI/ML applications, and intelligent vehicle systems.
She has played a pivotal role in pioneering indigenous and cost-effective solutions, including Battery Management System-Emi4, Div-2w hybrid, AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System), IVCON VCU Control, India Specific ADAS Solutions, Swappable Battery Solutions & Thermal Management Solutions for 2w batteries, V2X Systems, Digital-twinning, Automotive Cybersecurity, Functional Safety leading towards Software Defined Vehicles has cemented her status as a leading innovator in the field.
Karle attributes much of her visionary thinking to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and her interactions with ISRO. Inspired by their work, she shifted her focus towards solution-driven technology development, ensuring that innovation remained at the heart of her leadership. She also pioneered TechNovuus, ARAI’s innovation platform.
A firm believer in leading with vision and values, she challenges traditional leadership norms. "Leadership isn't about dictating every detail; it's about empowering the team with a strong value system and clear direction," she asserts. She also acknowledges struggling with imposter syndrome, but she overcomes self-doubt by revisiting her core purpose and focusing on long-term impact.
Women in STEM
Beyond her technical achievements, Karle has been a strong advocate for women in STEM and the automotive industry. Balancing family and career was never easy, but she managed by building a robust support system.
"My mother and mother-in-law were my backbone, helping me manage childcare while I pursued my career," she says. Karle's husband, also an electronics engineer, works as an entrepreneur, while their daughter is a national level volleyball player.
Her advice to young women aspiring for leadership roles? Create your own support network, don’t wait for external validation, and embrace flexibility. She encourages women to support each other rather than compete, fostering an environment where intellect and creativity take precedence over hierarchy.
Ujjwala Karle’s journey—from an accidental entry into the automotive world to becoming a leading voice in mobility innovation—is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership. As the industry pivots towards electrification and automation, her contributions are helping shape the future of mobility in India and beyond.