Maruti Suzuki Accelerator Program opens to global startups, ET Auto

Maruti Suzuki India has announced the expansion of its Accelerator Programme to include global startups, aimed at supporting its “Make in India” and “Startup India” initiatives. Indian and international startups with innovative automotive manufacturing and mobility solutions can apply for the ninth batch of the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator. “By opening up the programme to global startups, we are determined to further accelerate the development of innovative technologies relevant to the Indian market,” said Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India.

The accelerator programme offers various benefits to startups including guidance from mentors from the local and international startup ecosystem and domain experts from Maruti Suzuki. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct paid proof-of-concepts with Maruti Suzuki, participate in educational visits to Japan, build linkages with global markets and secure funding through the Maruti Suzuki Innovation Fund.

“The expansion will foster technological advancements and create good employment opportunities for the youth, which will in turn contribute to the country’s economic growth,” Takeuchi added.

Since its inception in 2019, Maruti Suzuki has screened over 2,000 startups across eight groups and partnered with 56, of which 18 have joined as business partners, generating a combined business of over INR 1,000 crore.

Starting with the ninth batch, the programme, earlier known as Mobility and Automotive Innovation Lab (MAIL), will now be called Maruti Suzuki Accelerator.