Maruti Suzuki India Limited has signed a strategic MoU with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem in automobile manufacturing and mobility solutions. This collaboration opens new pathways for DPIIT-recognised startups to access industry expertise, mentorship, and validation opportunities through India’s largest automaker.
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Partnership Overview: Bridging Startups and Industry
| MoU Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Partners | Maruti Suzuki India Limited & DPIIT |
| Focus Areas | Automobile manufacturing, mobility solutions |
| Target | DPIIT-recognized ‘Startup India’ participants |
| Key Benefits | Expert mentorship, industry insights, infrastructure access |
| Date Signed | July 23, 2025, New Delhi |
| Startup Track Record | 5,220+ screened, 150+ engaged, 28 onboarded partners |
Maruti Suzuki’s Proven Innovation Framework
With six years of startup engagement experience, Maruti Suzuki offers four comprehensive innovation programs: Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge, and Nurture. These initiatives have successfully screened over 5,220 startups, engaged around 150, and onboarded 28 as valuable business partners.
The collaboration provides startups with access to Maruti Suzuki’s extensive network and infrastructure, serving as a robust testbed for solution validation. Additionally, participants gain platforms to connect with incubators, accelerators, and investors for broader ecosystem support.
Strategic Alignment with Government Initiatives
This partnership reinforces Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to the Government’s ‘Startup India’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting promising startups in creating technology-led automotive solutions.
The collaboration leverages Maruti Suzuki’s legacy of innovation, scale, and deep industry knowledge to create market-ready mobility and manufacturing solutions, positioning India as a leader in next-generation industrial innovation.
Impact on India’s Startup Ecosystem
Since its launch on January 16, 2016, the Startup India initiative has catalyzed entrepreneurial culture across the country. This sector-agnostic flagship program has introduced multiple strategic initiatives to foster a conducive startup ecosystem nationwide.
Md. Alam Ansari, Deputy Director of Startup India, DPIIT, highlighted the partnership’s role in enabling high-impact startup engagement in mobility and manufacturing spaces, supporting startups to succeed both domestically and globally.
The MoU represents a significant step toward transforming innovative ideas into market-ready solutions, reinforcing India’s position in automotive technology leadership while addressing both business and societal challenges through startup innovation.
FAQs
How many startups has Maruti Suzuki engaged through its innovation programs?
Over 5,220 startups screened, 150+ engaged, with 28 successfully onboarded as partners.
What support will DPIIT-recognized startups receive from this partnership?
Expert mentorship, industry insights, infrastructure access, and connections to investors and accelerators.
