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AI, EV, mobility tech dominate Maruti Suzuki Accelerator's latest startup picks. Check details

AI, EV, mobility tech dominate Maruti Suzuki Accelerator's latest startup picks. Check details

Hindustan Times20-06-2025
In 2021, Mobility Challenge was introduced by Maruti Suzuki, offering a platform for growth-stage startups to highlight advanced mobility solutions
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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
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