Maruti Suzuki Selects Nine Startups Including Three German Firms for Global Innovation Cohort

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has announced the winners of the ninth cohort of its flagship Accelerator program, marking the first inclusion of global startups with three German companies among the nine victors. The program, launched in 2019, fosters innovation in automobile manufacturing and mobility by collaborating with startups to co-create advanced technological solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. The winning startups, including six from India and three from Germany, will develop real-world proof-of-concept projects within Maruti Suzuki, focusing on areas such as AI, cybersecurity, road safety, EV infrastructure, and battery swapping. Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi highlighted that the participation of global startups supports the company's commitment to the Indian government's 'Make in India' and 'Startup India' initiatives and reflects Maruti Suzuki's broader innovation strategy. Since its inception, the program has screened over 5,000 startups, with 25 onboarded as partners, emphasizing the company's ambition to evolve beyond traditional car manufacturing into future mobility solutions. This cohort included 26 shortlisted startups who showcased their innovations at a grand finale, reinforcing Maruti Suzuki's role in driving technological advancement in the automotive sector.