Maruti Suzuki India has partnered Nadathur S Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL), the start-up hub and incubation centre at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-Bangalore). This partnership aims to help start-ups working in technology-based innovations that can be applied in the mobility sector.

This collaboration, according to the two firms, marks the first-of-its kind initiative by an automobile manufacturing company to help early-stage start-ups become large-scale businesses. The programme will be a three-month (pre-incubation) and six-month (incubation) engagement.

It maybe recollected that in January 2019, Maruti Suzuki has launched MAIL (Mobility and Automobile Innovation Lab) to support startups by co-creating innovative business solutions in the mobility space. The OEM says the futuristic solutions being developed under MAIL initiative has a positive impact on its business. These solutions help to efficiently bring in technological advancements relevant to automobile business. To expand the collaboration with startups, Maruti Suzuki now plans to engage with IIM-Bangalore to incubate start-ups in the area of mobility.

Speaking on the partnership, Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India said, “Mobility startup incubation program addresses the needs of early stage startups, which have potential of becoming large-scale businesses. This partnership with IIM-Bangalore will spearhead innovation in mobility space. The Indian startup community provides much needed impetus to Prime Minister’s vision of Startup India. The tie -up is aimed to nurture the next generation companies that will define future mobility solution and can make a significant contribution to create jobs.”

Prof Venkatesh Panchapagesan, chairperson, Nadathur S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning said “Our mobility program provides startups the practical expertise of a leader like Maruti Suzuki with the incubation support depth and experience of NSRCEL. We will leverage the broader IIM Bangalore’s network of faculty, students and alumni as well as the expertise and counsel of a host of partner institutions who are active in this domain. Our message to the startups is simple: Once you come in, we will do whatever it takes to make you successful.”

Under this program, early stage startups will get incubation support and a chance for potential partnership with Maruti Suzuki to fast-track the growth of their venture. The start-ups will get Maruti Suzuki’s support for need assessment, access to domain expert, investor connect, mentoring, guidance to regulations and demo day to catalyse its growth. The program will select professionals who have technology in digital, data and AI/ML in the fields of autonomous mobility, shared mobility, mobility solution for rural, connected cars, vehicle diagnostic, vehicle safety and advanced driver assist system, supply chain management, block chain, data security, warehousing, finance, advertisement and loyalty program.

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