Maruti Suzuki Accelerator Program Cohort 12
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Quick Answer
Equity-free funding for a proof of concept, plus mentorship and test beds, for startups in mobility, sustainability, manufacturing and AI in Maruti Suzuki's 12th cohort.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Maruti Suzuki Innovation
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
Startups in mobility, sustainability, manufacturing, AI and other emerging technologies can join the 12th Cohort of the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator Program, run by Maruti Suzuki Innovation. You get equity-free funding for a proof of concept funded by MSIL, built together with Maruti Suzuki. The accelerator runs for approximately 4 months.
Mentors come from industry experts and Maruti Suzuki's business leadership. You get access to real-world test beds to validate and refine your solution, and Maruti Suzuki assigns you strategic use cases. You also get access to its supplier network, testing facilities and distribution ecosystem. If the proof of concept succeeds, you get the chance to deploy your solution at scale within Maruti Suzuki's operations.
Your startup should be past the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, ideally with existing customers. Startups that have reached Product-Market Fit are also eligible, and not-for-profit startups can apply.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Maruti Suzuki Innovation is the open-innovation platform of Maruti Suzuki India Limited. It is run from the Maruti Suzuki Innovation Gym in Udyog Vihar Phase 1, Gurugram, and it exists to find startups whose technology the company can test, pilot and eventually buy. This page…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- MSIL-funded PoC grant: Equity-free funding for proof-of-concept development to validate your solution with Maruti Suzuki.
- Business mentorship: Strategic guidance from Maruti Suzuki's leadership team on product-market fit and scaling.
- Industry connections: Access to Maruti Suzuki's supplier network, testing facilities, and distribution ecosystem.
- Pilot opportunity: Chance to deploy your solution at scale within Maruti Suzuki's operations upon successful PoC.
- Duration
- 4 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator is rigorous and designed to identify startups with the highest potential for impact and alignment with Maruti Suzuki's strategic objectives. Applications undergo an initial comprehensive screening by the Maruti Suzuki Innovation team, where proposals are evaluated against criteria such as innovation, market potential, team strength, and the feasibility of a joint use case. Evaluators place a strong emphasis on data-driven insights and quantifiable growth Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) presented in the application forms, pitch decks, and any supplementary materials. Shortlisted startups typically proceed to subsequent rounds, which may include detailed interviews with subject matter experts, presentations to a selection committee, and discussions with senior leadership from Maruti Suzuki. The final selection aims to bring together a diverse cohort of startups capable of co-creating transformative solutions for the mobility and technology sectors.
Application Process
- 1
Online Application
Submit a comprehensive online form detailing your startup, product, market, team, and a potential use case with Maruti Suzuki.
You - 2
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- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maruti Suzuki Innovation?
Maruti Suzuki Innovation is an initiative dedicated to fostering open innovation by collaborating with startups. It provides mentorship, access to Maruti Suzuki's extensive testbed facilities, and deep domain expertise to help startups grow.
What is the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator?
The Maruti Suzuki Accelerator is the flagship program of Maruti Suzuki Innovation. It aims to discover and support new technologies that can revolutionize the mobility and broader technology landscape, aligning with Maruti Suzuki's goal to lead innovation in the automotive sector.
Who is eligible to apply for the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator?
Any startup with innovative and cost-effective ideas relevant to mobility, sustainability, manufacturing, AI, or other emerging technologies can apply. Applications are subject to a screening process to identify the best fit for the program.
What stage should my startup be in to apply?
The program primarily engages with startups that have progressed beyond the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage and ideally have some existing customers. Startups that have achieved Product-Market Fit are also highly encouraged to apply.
Can non-profit startups apply?
Yes, not-for-profit startups are eligible to apply. Applicants should highlight how their startup can create a significant social impact within their application.
Is there any cost or equity taken for participating in the accelerator?
Participation in the Maruti Suzuki Accelerator is entirely free for startups. Maruti Suzuki explicitly states that it does not take any equity from ventures participating in this program.
Can I apply if my startup has already received prior funding?
Yes, startups that have secured prior funding are welcome to apply. Please ensure to include comprehensive details regarding any past financing rounds in your application.
How long does the accelerator program last?
The Maruti Suzuki Accelerator program typically runs for approximately 4 months, providing an intensive period of collaboration, mentorship, and development.
Do you only focus on automobile startups?
No, while deeply rooted in the automotive sector, the program also supports startups with technologies, solutions, or services that can be applied to the broader mobility and automobile space. Applicants should articulate how their startup contributes to these areas.
What kind of information should my application include?
Your application should contain a comprehensive business plan, clearly outlining your business concept, market potential, and demonstrating data-driven insights and growth KPIs. A detailed pitch deck and supplementary videos are also recommended.
What happens if I'm not selected for the current cohort?
If not selected for a particular cohort, you are encouraged to re-apply for future cohorts. Please include details of your previous participation in subsequent applications.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
