India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has announced the launch of the Mobility Challenge programme to explore new technologies and help emerging startups grow their businesses.
The programme was unveiled in partnership with Hyderabad-based innovation intermediary and business incubator T-Hub.
Through the programme, the company will select mature startups who have technology in digital, data and AI/ML(Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning) in the fields of augmented and virtual reality, autonomous mobility, automotive remote diagnostics, automotive servicing efficiency, big data analytics, electrification, internet-of-things, mobility-as-a-service and smart infrastructure.
The carmaker aims to partner with startups, including established players that have a ready product or solution with an existing customer base.
Announcing the launch of the Mobility Challenge, Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki, said, “We have been able to meaningfully engage with 17 startups under our MAIL (Mobility & Automobile Innovation Lab) programme in less than three years of its launch. Now, with the launch of the Mobility Challenge, we look forward to work with mature startups from India and overseas to expand and upgrade our business operations. Speed and agility will define success in Mobility Challenge.”
“Through the Maruti Suzuki Mobility Challenge, we intend to explore a range of innovative solutions around digitalisation, smart connectivity, artificial intelligence and automated driving. This will move the mobility segment towards new horizons.” said Ravi Narayan, CEO, T-Hub
Mature startups selected for the Mobility Challenge will receive expert support and guidance from Maruti Suzuki and T-Hub, including expertise, investor relations, and a testing environment, which will help further incentivise startups and POC (proof of concept) to complete their growing up. The two winners of the programme will be awarded INR 10 lakh each by MISL.