Call for
Incubation Program for Mobility Startups
About Organisation
NSRCEL, the innovation and entrepreneurship hub at IIM Bangalore, has joined hands with Maruti Suzuki India Limited to foster innovation in the automobile and mobility sector. NSRCEL has a strong track record of supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and ventures through structured incubation and mentorship programs. By partnering with Maruti Suzuki, one of India’s leading automobile companies, NSRCEL aims to bridge the gap between innovative mobility startups and industry expertise. The collaboration is designed to identify and nurture startups that can bring in fresh technology-driven solutions, create sustainable business models, and enhance the mobility ecosystem in India. Through this partnership, the program offers startups access to guidance from industry leaders, structured incubation processes, and the potential to develop proof-of-concept projects with Maruti Suzuki. This initiative reflects the shared vision of both organizations: to empower Indian startups, drive innovation in mobility, and shape the future of the automobile industry by enabling entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into profitable ventures.
About the Grant
The Maruti Suzuki Incubation Program, in collaboration with NSRCEL, is designed to accelerate startups working on technology-driven solutions in the automobile and mobility domain. The program follows a two-stage approach: a 3-month pre-incubation phase, followed by a 6-month incubation phase. During pre-incubation, shortlisted ventures receive structured guidance, mentoring, and opportunities to refine their ideas into viable business propositions. After this stage, startups pitch to qualify for incubation, where they further receive access to domain-specific expertise, business development support, and exposure to industry networks. While the program does not provide direct financial support during pre-incubation or incubation, the winning startup(s) may get a paid proof-of-concept opportunity with Maruti Suzuki. This opens the possibility of becoming a long-term business partner with the company. The program’s main objective is to transform early-stage ideas into scalable, profit-making businesses that can make a significant impact in the automotive and mobility ecosystem.
Who can Apply?
The program is open to startups that meet specific eligibility criteria tailored to support early-stage ventures. Startups should be in operation for less than five years and incorporated in India. They should have received funding of less than ₹3.5 crore at the time of application. The applying company must be technology-based and working on innovations relevant to the automobile and mobility sector. To ensure focus on lean and manageable operations, the team size should not exceed 50 members. The program particularly seeks startups that are in the ideation to proof-of-concept stage, with potential to scale into profit-making ventures. Stakeholders such as corporate incubator mentors, ideation-stage startups, and early-traction startups from the automotive industry are the primary focus. The initiative is well-suited for entrepreneurs looking to validate their solutions, strengthen their business models, and explore opportunities for collaboration with a leading automobile brand.
How to Apply?
Interested startups can apply by submitting their applications within the given timeline. Applicants will be shortlisted based on the viability and innovativeness of their ideas.
Application Deadline
Applications open on 26th August 2020 and close on 30th September 2020, with results announced on 30th October 2020.
Last Date to Apply
The final deadline for applications is 30th September 2020.
Grant Amount
No direct funding is provided during pre-incubation or incubation. However, winners may receive a paid proof-of-concept with Maruti Suzuki.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
