Latest news with #MobilityChallenge


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- 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


Entrepreneur
29-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Maruti Suzuki and JETRO Join Hands to Empower Startups Across India and Japan
The MoU aims to promote collaboration between Indian and Japanese startups by creating new business opportunities and expanding access to each other's innovation ecosystems. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a significant move to foster cross-border innovation and entrepreneurship, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The MoU aims to promote collaboration between Indian and Japanese startups by creating new business opportunities and expanding access to each other's innovation ecosystems. The agreement was formally exchanged between Dr Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer – Digital Enterprise at Maruti Suzuki, and Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of JETRO India. The ceremony was held in the presence of Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India. Through this MoU, startups from India will gain access to Japan's robust startup and innovation network, while Japanese startups will be welcomed into India's vibrant and fast-growing entrepreneurial landscape. This two-way collaboration is expected to unlock new synergies in mobility, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Startups participating in Maruti Suzuki's four flagship innovation programs—Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge, and Nurture—will be eligible to join this initiative. JETRO will facilitate Japanese startup participation, offering them exposure to India's dynamic market and innovation-driven opportunities. Hisashi Takeuchi remarked, "Startups are key drivers of innovation and economic growth. With this MoU, we aim to open new doors for Indian startups to explore the Japanese market and strengthen bilateral technological ties." Takashi Suzuki added, "Maruti Suzuki is a shining example of India-Japan collaboration. This partnership will deepen our ties and foster innovation-led economic growth in both nations." Maruti Suzuki's innovation ecosystem continues to evolve as a critical bridge between industry needs and startup capabilities. With the support of JETRO, the company is now poised to take its startup engagement global, creating a win-win for businesses in both countries. This MoU is not just a partnership—it is a forward-looking step toward building a global startup network that thrives on innovation, mutual support, and shared vision between India and Japan.


Time of India
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Maruti Suzuki signs MoU with JETRO to connect Indian and Japanese startups
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan External Trade Organization ( JETRO ) to promote collaboration between startups in India and Japan. The agreement aims to facilitate business opportunities and mutual access to innovation ecosystems in both countries. The MoU was exchanged between Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer, Digital Enterprise at Maruti Suzuki, and Takashi Suzuki , Chief Director General of JETRO India, in the presence of Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi , Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki. Under the agreement, Indian startups will be supported in accessing the Japanese startup and innovation ecosystem, while Japanese startups will be given the opportunity to engage with the Indian ecosystem. Support through existing programs The collaboration will also involve support for startup participation in events and networking activities, linking them with relevant partners in the respective countries. Startups selected through Maruti Suzuki's four existing innovation programmes—Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge and Nurture—will be eligible for these opportunities. Japanese startups will be able to engage with the Indian ecosystem through JETRO. Hisashi Takeuchi, MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, said, 'Startups are key drivers of innovation and economic growth. Through our multi-format innovation programmes, we have been engaging with startups in India to co-create technology-driven solutions relevant to the automobile manufacturing and mobility space. With this MoU with JETRO, we will be able to provide a platform for these startups to explore the Japanese business landscape.' Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General, JETRO India, stated, '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