Meet The Six Winning Startups Of Maruti Suzuki’s ‘Grand Idea Hunt’ Competition

Maruti Suzuki has announced the names of six startups that secured top spots at a competition held under the company’s Nurture program, Grand Idea Hunt. The competition was held jointly with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP). 

Hailing from different industries, these startups have been judged on competencies like innovation, business model, relevance to Maruti Suzuki’s business operations, leadership & team structure, and revenue model.

The startups were also presented with a cash reward of INR 50,000 each. Going forward, these ventures will receive mentorship under Maruti Suzuki’s innovation programmes like Maruti Suzuki Incubation Program for Mobility Startups.

Here’s the list of the winning startups:

DriverShaab

The startup is a tech-based driver aggregator and helps provide drivers on demand through its app. According to the DriverShaab’s website, it has a presence across 22 Indian cities with over 5,000 drivers on board. 

Route2Jute

The startup aims to revive the Indian jute industry with sustainable accessories and clothing made of jute. Route2Jute has touched a social chord by involving prisoners in the manufacturing process of the products. 

OiHelp

OiHelp is a startup that delivers restaurant food, packages and groceries. Further, the startup aims to grow in the ride-hailing space. 

Hopun Innovations

The startup is trying to enter the emerging EV indusrty of India by developing a two-seater micro electric car for intracity travel for private as well as commercial use.

Backyard Creators

As a startup in the healthcare industry, it is creating a product, Impulse, which it claims to be the world’s first non-surgical wearable hearing device for individuals with congenital hearing loss.

Salutem Ridegear

The startup manufactures safety products for two-wheeler riders and defence personnel. It also produces agricultural safety gears.

Maruti Suzuki has been offering support to the Indian startups for some time now. Last year, it extended support to Sociograph Solutions through an investment of INR 2 Cr against a 12.09% stake in the startup. As part of this investment, Maruti Suzuki wanted to use the visual artificial intelligence (AI) platform of Sociograph Solutions, called Dave.AI, to enhance the digital sales experience of its customers.