Michelin has partnered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to launch the AI Startup Challenge, the first of its kind in the sector, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
The 12-week challenge, hosted on the Startup India portal, invites AI startups to showcase their capabilities. Selected startups will receive mentorship, and the top eight will pitch at a demo day in Delhi in September 2024. The top three startups will secure paid pilot projects from Michelin, with up to Rs. 5 lakh per project, and the chance for long-term global contracts and incubation support from Michelin leadership. This initiative is expected to drive Indian startups to co-develop solutions in manufacturing, supply chain, operating software, and infrastructure.
The launch event featured Sanjiv, Joint Secretary DPIIT, and Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director DPIIT. Dr. Ambica Rajagopal, Michelin Group Chief Data and AI Officer, and Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, hosted the event. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary DPIIT, delivered a special recorded address.
Shantanu Deshpande commented, “At Michelin, we are committed to a greener future where sustainability and innovation are at the forefront of our efforts. We eagerly anticipate the participation of Indian startups in the AI challenge as we co-build global solutions together.”
The initiative includes multiple stages, beginning with outreach and applications in July 2024, followed by shortlisting and mentorship until September 2024. The grand finale will see shortlisted startups presenting their solutions to a panel of judges from Startup India and Michelin India.
DPIIT has been proactive in supporting startups in the manufacturing space, providing early-stage support for their growth. The department aims to bridge the gap between industry and startups by supporting incubators and incubation programs led by the industry. The initiative aims to empower manufacturing startups with innovative technologies and sustainable practices, enabling them to become global market leaders.
Rajesh Kumar Singh stated, "The Michelin AI Startup Challenge offers opportunities to develop solutions in manufacturing, supply chain, operating software, and infrastructure, leveraging AI and robotics to enhance manufacturing processes, improve product quality, boost safety, and reduce defects. This initiative aims to create sustainable products and expose Indian talent to global contexts and clients."
This collaboration between DPIIT and Michelin India aims to provide manufacturing startups with a platform to pilot and refine their technologies, fostering greater participation in the manufacturing ecosystem. It will also enhance India's positioning as a manufacturing nation through public and private sector partnerships.
Sanjiv highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and the role of companies like Michelin in elevating the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He reiterated DPIIT’s commitment to empowering startups to scale their innovations and make a global impact.
Michelin is inviting AI startups in India to collaborate and build innovative solutions using AI agents, large language models (LLMs), and Responsible AI. The themes for the challenge include generating machine control code, road safety, and more. The winners will receive projects, mentorship, and opportunities for long-term contracts.
For detailed eligibility criteria and to apply, visit the Startup India portal.
For more information, contact Shivali Vij, Open Innovation Lead - India at Michelin, at shivali.vij@michelin.com.