Maruti Suzuki India Limited has onboarded five early-stage startups to co-create new-age technology solutions across its business operations, reinforcing its strategy to stay ahead of the technology curve and embed intelligent systems across manufacturing, safety, mobility and customer touchpoints. The move is part of the company’s broader push to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen high-accuracy manufacturing, improve product quality, elevate workplace safety and support smarter, safer mobility solutions.
The five startups—AugurAI, Aatral, Zen Mobility, Indus Vision, and Proxgy—were selected from the fourth cohort of the Maruti Suzuki Incubation Program, run in partnership with IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL, the institute’s incubation and entrepreneurship centre.
Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said the company is operating in a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex environment shaped by shifting consumer expectations, an expanding product and powertrain mix, varied regulations across nearly 100 export markets, and a growing sustainability focus. “Technology has become a strategic enabler,” he said. “Embedding intelligent, new-age solutions across business functions is essential to sustained excellence and long-term, agile growth. The startups we have onboarded are helping us enhance manufacturing precision, support sustainable last-mile delivery of aftermarket parts and strengthen workplace safety.”
Mr. Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, said the collaboration bridges the gap between cutting-edge innovation and real-world application by giving startups exposure to complex business environments. “Together, we are building an ecosystem where early-stage ventures can refine bold ideas and scale them into impactful solutions,” he added.
Startup Projects:
AugurAI is developing AI-based visual inspection for detecting defects in complex components to achieve higher precision manufacturing. Aatral is working on AI-assisted inspection and 3D digital validation to help suppliers deliver zero-defect components. Zen Mobility is enabling sustainable, efficient last-mile EV logistics for spare parts and accessories movement. Indus Vision is deploying AI-powered visual inspection for finished vehicles to enhance output quality and minimise human error. Proxgy is creating IoT-driven smart wearables to improve workplace safety through real-time alerts, with AI-enabled systems for crane-lifting zones that can automatically warn workers or stop cranes to prevent accidents.
Maruti Suzuki’s innovation ecosystem now includes multiple programmes aimed at nurturing technology-enabled startups across the mobility and automotive value chain. Over seven years, the company has screened around 6,400 startups, engaged more than 220, and onboarded 32 as partners delivering solutions within the business. These initiatives include the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator (2019), the Maruti Suzuki Incubation Program (2020), the Mobility Challenge (2021), and Nurture, a pre-incubation program launched in 2023.
