Maruti Suzuki Nurture

Nurture is the entry point of the platform, run jointly with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. It is aimed at very early startups in eastern, north-eastern and central India working on social impact, sustainability, enterprise and manufacturing, mobility technology and mobility convenience, though its own page adds that you can apply from elsewhere as long as you serve India. It runs as regional idea hunts feeding one grand idea hunt. Three cohorts have run so far.

What you get

• Mentoring from industry experts through the programme
• A guided visit to a Maruti Suzuki manufacturing plant for winners
• Cash grants for the winners of the grand idea hunt
• Co-branded certificates from Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park
• Access to the Maruti Suzuki ecosystem and alumni network
• An opportunity for a Japan immersion trip
• A route into one of the larger Maruti Suzuki programmes, or into a paid pilot

Who can apply

• The applicant must be a citizen of India
• The startup must be registered under Indian jurisdiction
• You must have a prototype ready

How selection works: applications are screened for fit with the focus areas. Shortlisted startups pitch at a regional idea hunt in front of senior management from Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, and get curated mentoring. Regional winners go through to the grand idea hunt. A few winners are then either moved into another Maruti Suzuki Innovation programme or taken forward to explore a paid pilot.

How to apply: Nurture applications are taken on IIM Calcutta Innovation Park's website, not on the Maruti Suzuki Innovation site. There is no participation fee.