Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced the opening of applications for the ninth cohort of its Maruti Suzuki Accelerator program, marking a significant expansion by inviting global startups for the first time. This initiative is part of Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’ initiatives.
To reflect the dynamic and evolving ecosystem in which the program operates, Maruti Suzuki has decided to rebrand the initiative. Starting with Cohort 9, the program formerly known as the Mobility and Automobile Innovation Lab (MAIL) will now be called the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator.
The accelerator program offers numerous benefits to participating startups including guidance from mentors connected to both domestic and international startup ecosystems, as well as domain experts from Maruti Suzuki. Startups will have the chance to conduct a paid proof of concept with Maruti Suzuki and participate in educational visits to Japan, enhancing their global market connections. Additionally, there is an opportunity for startups to secure funding through the Maruti Suzuki Innovation Fund.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, stated 'The startup ecosystem is full of ideas and solutions relevant to the automobile manufacturing and mobility space. By opening the program to global startups, we are determined to further accelerate the development of innovative technologies relevant to the Indian market. This expansion will help drive technological advancements and generate good employment opportunities for the youth, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic growth.'
Since the inception of the accelerator program, Maruti Suzuki has screened over 2,000 startups across eight cohorts and engaged with 56 startups. Out of these, 18 have been onboarded as business partners, generating a combined business of over INR 1 billion for these startups.
Also Read
Twyn Emerges Victorious At Maruti Suzuki's Startup Accelerator Program