Maruti Suzuki, the leading automobile manufacturer in India, has revealed the names of six startups that emerged as winners in the Grand Idea Hunt, a competition organized under the company’s Nurture program. The competition was jointly held with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP).
These startups, representing diverse industries, were evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, business model, relevance to Maruti Suzuki’s operations, leadership and team structure, and revenue model. Each winning startup was also awarded a cash prize of INR 50,000. Going forward, these ventures will receive mentorship through Maruti Suzuki’s innovation programs, including the Maruti Suzuki Incubation Program for Mobility Startups.
The following are the winning startups:
- DriverShaab: This tech-based driver aggregator provides on-demand drivers through its app. With a presence in 22 Indian cities and over 5,000 drivers on board, DriverShaab aims to cater to the growing demand for convenient transportation services.
- Route2Jute: This startup aims to revive the Indian jute industry by creating sustainable accessories and clothing made from jute. It has also undertaken a social initiative by involving prisoners in the manufacturing process of its products.
- OiHelp: OiHelp is a startup that offers delivery services for restaurant food, packages, and groceries. Additionally, it has plans to expand into the ride-hailing space, providing further convenience to customers.
- Hopun Innovations: This startup aims to enter India’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) industry by developing a two-seater micro electric car for intracity travel, catering to both private and commercial use.
- Backyard Creators: Focusing on the healthcare sector, Backyard Creators is developing Impulse, claimed to be the world’s first non-surgical wearable hearing device for individuals with congenital hearing loss.
- Salutem Ridegear: This startup manufactures safety products for two-wheeler riders and defense personnel. It also produces agricultural safety gear, emphasizing the importance of safety in various sectors.
Maruti Suzuki has been actively supporting Indian startups for some time now. In a significant move last year, the company invested INR 2 crore and acquired a 12.09% stake in Sociograph Solutions. The investment aimed to leverage Sociograph Solutions’ visual artificial intelligence (AI) platform, called Dave.AI, to enhance Maruti Suzuki’s digital sales experience for its customers.
With its ongoing commitment to nurturing startups and driving innovation, Maruti Suzuki continues to contribute to the growth and development of the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem.
