Maruti Suzuki Selects Five Start-ups in the Third Batch of its MAIL Program With the latest batch of five startups, so far a total of 14 startups have been enrolled under the Mobility & Automobile Innovation Lab (MAIL) programme since its launch in January 2019

By Prabhjeet Bhatla

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Pixabay

Automobile giant Maruti Suzuki has shortlisted five startups in the third cohort of its accelerator programme Mobility & Automobile Innovation Lab (MAIL).

The five startups enrolled in the latest batch include location tracking solutions provider Clean Slate, robotics company Peer Robotics, Vicara, a motion gesture and analytics recognition startup, AR/VR-powered customer engagement solution provider Hyper Reality and URJA, which provides IOT solution to monitor energy utilization at machine / device level.

With the latest batch of these five startups, so far a total of 14 startups have been enrolled under the MAIL programme since its launch in January 2019.

Also Read: 14 Indian Startups Make it to Y Combinator's Summer 2020 Batch

The country's largest carmaker launched MAIL in collaboration with GHV Accelerator to nurture innovation in the automobile and mobility sector. The MAIL flagship initiative intends to "create an environment to nurture, foster and guide the early-stage start-ups," as per the company.

Bengaluru-based Clean Slate Technologies stood as the winner of the program, followed by Peer Robotics from Gurgaon as the first runner up and Vicara from Bengaluru as the second runner up. They will now engage with Maruti Suzuki for paid projects and will also be entitled for other benefits associated with the program, the company said.

Additionally, the top three startups will also get an opportunity to undertake a paid Proof-of-Concept with Maruti Suzuki for actual business use of their technologies.

Commenting on the company's efforts towards coaching start-ups, Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and chief executive officer, Maruti Suzuki, said, "The auto industry is extremely dynamic and faces new challenges frequently. The lookout for new technological aids to assist the industry and continue working efficiently is an ever-evolving task. Our flagship MAIL programme is now in its third cohort and in each round we come across several innovative ideas that solve real-life industrial challenges."

The shortlisting process consisted of screening and pitch sessions. The domain experts at Maruti Suzuki counsel and direct the start-ups to create the right product fit by conducting several discussions.

"MAIL programme focuses on offering a platform to these early stage startups where they can translate their big ideas into business solutions. Besides, this they get a unique opportunity to get the idea validated and approved by Maruti Suzuki's domain experts. We are excited to partner with the shortlisted start-ups and be a part of their growth story," Ayukawa added.

Prabhjeet Bhatla

Former Staff

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Marketing

The One Mistake Is Putting Your Brand Reputation at Risk — and Most Startups Still Make It

Many businesses pour resources into branding and marketing but overlook PR — yet it's PR that builds the trust, credibility, and reputation that turn attention into lasting revenue in a crowded market.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

Your Employees Need More Than Paychecks and Perks — Here's What They Really Want

In an era where remote and hybrid work arrangements are reshuffling traditional office dynamics, thoughtful, personalized benefits are becoming a powerful differentiator. The bottom line is really simple: If you want to support your employees, address their long-term financial needs.

Business News

Indie Bookstore Goes Viral After Hundreds of Customers Line Up to Help Move Its Inventory to a New Location — One Book at a Time: 'Book Brigade'

Serendipity Books is holding its grand opening event on April 26 to coincide with Independent Bookstore Day.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.