Giving an impetus to the startup ecosystem in the East and Northeast India, Maruti Suzuki India Limited declared the names of the six startups selected under its Nurture program, conducted jointly with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP). The selected startups were DriverShaab, Route2Jute, OiHelp, Hopun Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Backyard Creators Pvt. Ltd. and Salutem Ridegear. These startups extend solutions in the domains of driver aggregation services, jute-based accessories, hyperlocal delivery services, development of micro electric cars, non-surgical wearable hearing devices and safety apparel.

The startups were judged on competencies like innovation, business model, relevance to Maruti Suzuki’s business operations, leadership & team structure, and revenue model. The six selected startups will now undertake a paid Proof-of-Concept to assess the viability of their proposed business solutions in a real-world scenario. They were also presented with a cash reward of Rs. 50,000 each and secured further mentorship opportunities under Maruti Suzuki’s innovation programs. The Grand Idea Hunt finale took place in the presence of senior leadership of Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta.

Aiming to augment the startup ecosystem across the country through co-creating solutions relevant to the automobile industry, Maruti Suzuki has undertaken multiple initiatives. The Company collaborates with startups across level of maturity:

Incubation program is targeted towards startups that are in the ideation to proof-of-concept stage

Nurture program extends mentorship opportunities and an enabling growth environment to early-stage startups from the East and Northeast region to shape their ideas to reach a viable product stage

Mobility & Automobile Innovation Lab (MAIL) engages technology-based startups that are at the budding stage

Mobility Challenge focuses on growth-stage startups

Depending on the level of maturity, the startups are provided an enabling ecosystem with the right mentorship, networking, and growth opportunities under Maruti Suzuki Innovation programs. Selected startups also get an opportunity to test the viability of their solutions across various business verticals of Maruti Suzuki.