In a significant move to bolster cross-border innovation, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). This collaboration aims to facilitate business opportunities and mutual access to the startup and innovation ecosystems of both India and Japan.
Key Highlights of the MoU
- Bilateral Startup Exchange: The agreement enables Indian startups to access Japan’s robust innovation network, while Japanese startups can explore India’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.
- Integration with Maruti Suzuki’s Innovation Programs: Startups participating in Maruti Suzuki’s four flagship innovation initiatives—Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge, and Nurture—will be eligible to engage in this cross-border collaboration.
- Facilitation by JETRO: JETRO will support Japanese startups in connecting with India’s startup ecosystem, providing them with exposure to new markets and opportunities.
- Leadership Endorsements:
- Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, emphasized the role of startups as key drivers of innovation and economic growth. He stated, “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.”
- Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of JETRO India, highlighted the strategic importance of the alliance, noting that “Maruti Suzuki stands as one of the finest examples of the successful partnership between India and Japan.
- Alignment with National Initiatives: This partnership aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’ initiatives, aiming to accelerate innovation in the automobile and mobility sectors.
This MoU represents a forward-looking step toward building a global startup network that thrives on innovation, mutual support, and shared vision between India and Japan.
