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Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Maruti Suzuki, DPIIT join hands to boost startup innovation in auto, mobility space
Maruti Suzuki India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to support and foster startups in the areas of automotive production and mobility innovation. The partnership follows the path to create a stronger technology ecosystem in India's auto sector. The MoU complements the Government of India's 'Startup India' programme via which DPIIT-recognised startups would now be able to engage with Maruti Suzuki's innovation programmes. The MoU complements the Government of India's 'Startup India' programme via which DPIIT-recognised startups would now be able to engage with Maruti Suzuki's innovation programmes. The intention is to support the creation of scalable, technology-led solutions in the automotive and mobility sector. Startups will benefit from industry-specific mentorship, business insights, and validation of their ideas through Maruti Suzuki's infrastructure and operational testbeds as part of this collaboration. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki Fronx becomes the fastest crossover SUV to clock 1 lakh exports from India Maruti Suzuki already runs a portfolio of startup engagement initiatives such as its Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge, and Nurture programs. Over the past six years, more than 5,220 startups have been screened by the company, out of which around 150 were actively engaged. Twenty-eight of those have eventually become partners, contributing to business outcomes. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of several key representatives from both sides, including Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Anjali Bansal, Independent Director, Maruti Suzuki and executives from Maruti Suzuki's corporate and digital enterprise teams such as Sunil Kakkar, Rahul Bharti and Dr. Tapan Sahoo. Commenting on the partnership, Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki, stated that this initiative will help support promising startups as they build innovative automotive and mobility solutions. He emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to both 'Startup India' and 'Make in India' through strategic industry collaboration. DPIIT's vision for startup growth Representing the DPIIT, Joint Secretary Sanjiv said the collaboration with Maruti Suzuki aims to strengthen India's leadership in next-generation industrial innovation. He noted that Maruti Suzuki's scale and legacy in the automotive industry could offer significant value to startups trying to commercialize early-stage ideas. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki hits 5,500 after sales touchpoints, services 2.7 crore vehicles in FY 2024–25 Seconding such views, Md. Alam Ansari, Startup India Deputy Director, emphasized the need to arm startups with the capabilities and institutional support required to scale up in-country and abroad. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Maruti Suzuki, DPIIT join hands to support tech startups in automobile manufacturing
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade ( DPIIT ) to support startups to develop technology-driven solutions in the automobile manufacturing and mobility space. As a result of the pact, startups recognised by DPIIT under the ' Startup India ' initiative can participate in Maruti Suzuki's innovation programs. Upon selection, startups will benefit from expert mentorship, industry insights, and access to the carmaker's extensive network and infrastructure. Additionally, startups will get a platform to connect with incubators, accelerators, and investors to showcase their solutions, according to a joint statement released on Wednesday. The MoU was exchanged between DPIIT and Maruti Suzuki in the presence of Sanjiv, joint secretary, DPIIT, Anjali Bansal, independent director, Maruti Suzuki, Sunil Kakkar, director (corporate planning), Maruti Suzuki, Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer (corporate affairs), Maruti Suzuki and Tapan Sahoo, executive officer (digital enterprise), Maruti Suzuki. Partnership builds on Maruti Suzuki's existing startup programmes Maruti Suzuki has been actively supporting early-stage companies through various initiatives such as the Mobility Challenge, Incubation, Nurture, and Accelerator programmes. So far, the company has screened more than 5,220 startups, engaged with around 150, and onboarded 28 as business partners. 'India is home to a vibrant and growing startup ecosystem. Through this partnership with DPIIT, we will be able to further accelerate our efforts to support promising startups to create technology-led solutions in the automobile manufacturing and mobility space,' Bharti said. 'This MoU is a step towards creating a robust platform for startups to transform ideas into market-ready mobility and manufacturing solutions, reinforcing India's leadership in next-gen industrial innovation,' Sanjiv said. 'Our partnership with Maruti Suzuki reflects DPIIT's commitment to nurturing high-impact startup engagement in the mobility and manufacturing space. We look forward to enabling startups with the support they need to succeed at scale, both in India and globally,' said Alam Ansari, deputy director, Startup India, DPIIT.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
AI, EV, mobility tech dominate Maruti Suzuki Accelerator's latest startup picks. Check details
In 2021, Mobility Challenge was introduced by Maruti Suzuki, offering a platform for growth-stage startups to highlight advanced mobility solutions Notify me Maruti Suzuki India Limited has concluded the 9th edition of its Accelerator program, with international participation included for the first time ever. The new cohort was composed of an assortment of 26 startups, 19 from India and 7 from Germany, chosen to present innovative technologies applicable to the automotive as well as mobility industry. Nine Startups Selected Across India and Germany Of the participating ventures, nine were announced as winners. These include Indian startups Frinks AI, mistEO, Adagrad, Com Olho, ProSolvr, and Eligere, as well as three German firms: Caire AI, Syn2Core, and Talonic. This was the first time the program formally included a 'Global Startups" category. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki bets big on rail logistics to scale up green dispatch, cut emissions The selected companies presented a range of digital and mobility-related technologies, such as AI-driven cybersecurity tools, quality control systems, EV charging and battery solutions, and road safety applications. Their solutions are aimed at addressing operational challenges across manufacturing, mobility infrastructure, and customer experience. Technology-Focused Programs Built Around Startup Ecosystem Since the past six years, the company has built a portfolio of structured programs to partner with startups building emerging technologies. These programs are meant to leverage external innovation at different levels of startup maturity. The Accelerator Program, launched in 2019, revolves around open innovation in manufacturing and mobility technology. The Incubation Program was launched in 2020 for early-stage startups with scalable business models. In 2021, Mobility Challenge was introduced by the company, offering a platform for growth-stage startups to highlight advanced mobility solutions. Later, in 2023, the company introduced the Nurture program as a pre-incubation initiative for startups that are concept-stage. According to figures revealed by the company, over 5,000 startups have been filtered through these numerous ways, of which 150 are committed and 25 were integrated into business activities in some capacity. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki cuts near-term e-Vitara production plan amid rare earth magnet crisis Broader Trends in Corporate-Startup Collaboration Allowing global startups to participate in the accelerator program is a part of the bigger industry trend - where traditional manufacturers are choosing to work with agile, technology-led startups to pilot ideas and digital solutions. Things like EV charging infrastructure, AI-based diagnostics and new-age analytics are gaining momentum as automakers adapt to changes in the market and regulations. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 20 Jun 2025, 13:48 PM IST
Hans India
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Maruti Suzuki and JETRO collaborate to facilitate business opportunities for startups from India and Japan
Maruti Suzuki India Limited ('Maruti Suzuki') has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ('MoU') with the Japan External Trade Organization ('JETRO'), to promote innovation and facilitate business opportunities for startups from India and Japan. The MoU was formally exchanged between Dr. Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer, Digital Enterprise, Maruti Suzuki and Mr. Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General, JETRO India in the presence of Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki. Under the MoU, Maruti Suzuki and JETRO will collaborate to support startups based in India to access the startup and innovation ecosystem of Japan, similarly, startups based in Japan will get an opportunity to access the startup and innovation ecosystem of India. In addition, Maruti Suzuki and JETRO will work with each other to facilitate the participation and networking of startups in appropriate activities or events, connecting them with relevant partners. Startups chosen through Maruti Suzuki's four innovation programs:1) Accelerator, 2) Incubation, 3) Mobility Challenge and 4) Nurture, will be eligible to participate in these events. Startups from Japan can explore the Indian startup ecosystem by participating through JETRO. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, '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, Chief Director General, JETRO India said, 'Maruti Suzuki stands as one of the finest 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.'
India Today
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
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 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 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 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 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
