BYTES Gets Grant to Develop AI Safety System for Two-Wheelers

BYTES, a Bengaluru-based startup developing artificial intelligence-powered safety technology for two-wheelers, has obtained a grant of Rs 20 lakh from WTFund, an investment firm led by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. 

The company is creating an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that uses computer vision and AI to detect potential hazards and provide real-time alerts to motorcycle riders. The system aims to prevent accidents by identifying dangerous situations before they occur.

"Our mission is to create a future where no two-wheeler accident results in a preventable loss of life," said Prakhar Agrawal, co-founder and CEO of BYTES. The company plans to integrate AI-based safety features directly into motorcycles and scooters.

BYTES is currently launching pilot programs with two-wheeler manufacturers to test its system in real-world conditions. The company expects to close its pre-seed funding round within the next two months to support further product development and deployment.

Two-wheeler safety remains a significant concern in India and globally. According to road safety data, motorcycles and scooters are involved in 60% of the over 50 million annual road accidents worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that human error contributes to 90% of these crashes, with the lack of safety features increasing fatality risks.

The development comes as automotive safety technology, traditionally focused on four-wheelers, begins expanding to two-wheelers. Several major motorcycle manufacturers have started incorporating basic safety features like anti-lock braking systems, but advanced AI-powered safety systems remain largely unexplored in this segment.

WTFund, which included BYTES in its second cohort for 2024, focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups. The fund has previously backed companies in sectors including fintech, healthcare, and enterprise software.