Maruti Suzuki Collaborates With Five Startups Under Mobility & Automobile Innovation Lab program

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has collaborated with five shortlisted startups under its Mobility & Automobile Innovation Lab (MAIL) program. After an extensive selection process, five startups got a chance to work with the company.

Enmovil, Docketrun, Eyedentify, Xane and SenseGiz were five startups to get shortlisted after the selection process. These startups were selected to present their solutions at the Demo Day in New Delhi. Three out of five shortlisted startups also got an opportunity to collaborate on a paid project with Maruti Suzuki.

The five startups were subject to an acceleration program spanning over three months. The programme saw the startups getting guidance by various mentors from India and abroad. The five startups were also given access to Maruti Suzuki's facilities and test bed as well.

After the extensive programme SenseGiz was announced the winner with Xane and Eyedentify following in second and third place respectively. The company confirmed that it will fund these startup ideas until they the objective of the project is achieved till concept stage. There is also the possibility of moving the concept into the production stage as well.

Mr. Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki IndiaLimited, said, Indian automotive space is need of new technologies and features constantly. The company has always looked at customers interests and offered their products accordingly to match the needs. By collaborating with these startups the company will enter a new era of mobility and automobile solutions. The aim of this programme is to work along with the startups to customer experience, among others.

The initiative will help bring out new features and drive innovations in the areas of logistics, IoT based safety and monitoring, and plug and play solutions. The competition winner SenseGiz deals in the area of Enterprise and Industrial IOT (Internet Of Things) products.

While, the Second place winner Xane and Docketrun deals with Artificial Intelligence development. Eyedentify the third place winner deals with Automotive IOT. Enmovil expertise in logistical solutions.

Thoughts About The Maruti Suzuki's Collaboration With Startups

Manufacturer are looking to explore different innovations that can be brought into the automotive space. Tata has also come up with a similar programme recently to drive innovation called the TACnet2.0 to connect with startups in automotive space across the globe. With such programmes major auto manufacturers and startups looking for exposure and funding to develop their technology will be mutually benefited.