Maruti Suzuki, Jetro partners to boost India-Japan startup collaboration
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has joined hands with the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) to foster innovation and create business opportunities for startups in India and Japan. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, with a focus on promoting cross-border innovation and startup exchange.Jetro is a Japanese government agency dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Japan and global markets. Initially focused on exports, it now also facilitates foreign investments into Japan and supports small and medium enterprises in international expansion.advertisementThe MoU was exchanged between Dr Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer, Digital Enterprise, Maruti Suzuki, and Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of Jetro India, in the presence of Maruti Suzuki's Managing Director and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi
As part of the MoU, Maruti Suzuki and Jetro will work together to help Indian startups connect with Japan's startup and innovation ecosystem, while also enabling Japanese startups to explore and engage with India's growing startup landscape.Additionally, Maruti Suzuki and Jetro will collaborate to enable startups to take part in relevant events and activities, helping them build connections with suitable partners. Startups selected through Maruti Suzuki's four innovation initiatives—Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge, and Nurture—will be eligible to join these engagements.Maruti Suzuki has already engaged with over 5,000 startups through its initiatives, shortlisting 150 and onboarding 25 as business partners. advertisementHisashi Takeuchi, MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki, emphasised the role of startups in driving innovation. 'Startups are key drivers of innovation and economic growth. Through our multi-format innovation programs, we have been engaging with startups in India to co-create technology-driven solutions relevant to the automobile manufacturing and mobility space. We see great potential in Indian startups, and with this MoU with Jetro, we will be able to provide a platform for these promising startups to explore the Japanese business landscape.'Takashi Suzuki of Jetro India highlighted the strategic importance of the alliance. 'Maruti Suzuki stands as one of thefinest examples of the successful partnership between India and Japan. With this MoU, we are creating opportunities for even more fruitful business collaborations between our two nations. This MoU aims to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and further strengthen the deep-rooted ties between India and Japan."Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
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