Bosch launches start-up accelerator program in India

Bosch India has launched its first accelerator program for start-ups called ‘Discover, Nurture and Align -- DNA'.

The 18-week program is an intense development, mentoring and piloting platform for start-ups. This platform offers start-ups the opportunity of gaining access to Bosch’s working environment. Furthermore, they will also be able to pitch to Bosch’s management – business unit heads as well as other external investors.

“As a technology and solutions leader, Bosch India is looking to partner and collaborate with start-ups that work on disruptive solutions in the areas of mobility solutions, smart manufacturing, smart cities, Meditech, Agritech and energy,” said Manohar Esarapu, head of Bosch India’s Start-Up Alliance program.

Commenting further, he said: “Bosch is also looking to work with start-ups who could help build solutions in enabling technology areas such as, internet of things (IoT), deep learning, analytics, cloud, virtual reality and block chain.” These start-ups would receive personalised mentorship from Bosch experts in areas such as, engineering, scope specific domains, product design, operations, finance and legal among others. “Through this accelerator program selected start-ups have an opportunity to an investor pitch, and the entire Bosch ecosystem, such as, its customers, suppliers and partners among others,” added Esarapu.      

Program unique to India

Such an accelerator program is unique to India as it is the first time Bosch would be working with external start-ups, to mentor and get them investment ready. The German major is also open to partnering with these start-ups in order to cater to new markets, apart from providing disruptive business models.

Through this model, Bosch intends to gain a strong foothold into India’s booming start-up market. It says that such an exposure would also help the organisation to bring about a transformational change, helping it become an agile and flexible organisation while doing business. Importantly, it would be able to hedge itself against possible disruptions often hovering over traditional businesses. “This program will help Bosch diversify growth into areas beyond mobility solutions,” said Esarapu.