Published by: Maruti Suzuki India Limited
New Delhi, 29th May 2025: Maruti Suzuki India Limited ("Maruti Suzuki") has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with the Japan External Trade Organization ("JETRO"), to promote innovation and facilitate business opportunities for startups from India and Japan.
The MoU was formally exchanged between Dr. Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer, Digital Enterprise, Maruti Suzuki and Mr. Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General, JETRO India in the presence of Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki.
Under the MoU, Maruti Suzuki and JETRO will collaborate to support startups based in India to access the startup and innovation ecosystem of Japan, similarly, startups based in Japan will get an opportunity to access the startup and innovation ecosystem of India.
In addition, Maruti Suzuki and JETRO will work with each other to facilitate the participation and networking of startups in appropriate activities or events, connecting them with relevant partners
Startups chosen through Maruti Suzuki’s four innovation programs:1) Accelerator, 2) Incubation, 3) Mobility Challenge and 4) Nurture, will be eligible to participate in these events. Startups from Japan can explore the Indian startup ecosystem by participating through JETRO.
Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Startups are key drivers of innovation and economic growth. Through our multi-format innovation programs, we have been engaging with startups in India to co-create technology-driven solutions relevant to the automobile manufacturing and mobility space. We see great potential in Indian startups, and with this MoU with JETRO, we will be able to provide a platform for these promising startups to explore the Japanese business landscape.”
Mr. Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General, JETRO India said,“Maruti Suzuki stands as one of the finest examples of the successful partnership between India and Japan. With this MoU, we are creating opportunities for even more fruitful business collaborations between our two nations. This MoU aims to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and further strengthen the deeprooted ties between India and Japan.”
Maruti Suzuki's Innovation Programs:
The Company, through the Maruti Suzuki Innovation programs, is proud to partner with the Government of India’s Startup India initiative. To spur innovation in the automotive space, the Company has built multiple programs - 1) Accelerator, 2) Incubation, 3) Mobility Challenge and 4) Nurture - that provide the right direction and support to startups in developing innovative solutions that help solve business and societal problems. In the journey of 6 years, over 5,000 startups have been screened, 150 startups were engaged and 25 of these startups have been onboarded as partners delivering value to our business
About JETRO:
JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.