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In a major step towards fostering innovation in India’s automotive sector, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mercedes-Benz India. The partnership aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities, promote road safety initiatives, and drive sustainability by supporting startups with essential resources like infrastructure, mentorship, funding, and market linkages.
Boosting India’s Startup Ecosystem Through Global Collaboration
The collaboration between DPIIT and the German luxury carmaker is set to provide a structured platform for startups, enabling them to integrate global best practices and gain access to key industry networks. The initiative will also facilitate international knowledge exchange, ensuring long-term technological and economic impact.
Speaking on the partnership, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, described it as a strategic initiative to elevate India’s manufacturing sector while fostering responsible and sustainable innovations. He emphasized that the collaboration would bridge the gap between industry and academia, creating a robust ecosystem for impactful technological advancements.
Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director of Startup India, highlighted that Mercedes-Benz India’s expertise in automotive innovation would help startups gain a competitive edge. He stated that the initiative was particularly focused on supporting ventures working in sustainability and road safety, ensuring they receive the necessary backing to thrive.
Mercedes-Benz India’s Commitment to Driving Change
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz India, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the company is committed to fostering innovation in critical areas like road safety, environmental sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. He further explained that through the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Mercedes-Benz India would work closely with incubators and research institutions to drive meaningful societal impact.
Key Objectives of the MoU
• Strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem with cutting-edge technology and innovation.
• Enhancing road safety measures through advanced research and startup-driven solutions.
• Accelerating sustainability initiatives in the automotive sector.
• Encouraging industry-academia collaboration to drive impactful research and development.
• Facilitating international partnerships to provide startups with global exposure and market access.
Expected Impact on India’s Automotive and Innovation Landscape
The partnership between DPIIT and Mercedes-Benz India is set to bolster India’s position as a global manufacturing and innovation hub. By providing startups with access to critical resources and mentorship, the initiative is expected to accelerate advancements in sustainability, road safety, and cutting-edge automotive technologies.
This Indo-German collaboration marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to promote technological excellence and economic growth, further strengthening the country’s startup ecosystem and fostering a future driven by sustainable innovation.
