4 startups win Rs. 40L in Open Innovation Challenge

The programme received over 150 applications from startups nationwide. After a screening by T-Hub and RNTBCI, 80 startups were shortlisted based on the theme. A cohort of 20 startups participated in a pre-pitch session, and further 10 were chosen to work on specific use cases

Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based startup innovation ecosystem enabler T-Hub on Monday announced the results of Open Innovation Challenge. The programme was held in collaboration with Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India (RNTBCI), a global technical and development centre.

RNTBCI networked with some of the automotive startups scouted by T-Hub for the challenge.

As a result, four startups – Imaginate, mSense, MayaMD, and RACEnergy – were awarded Rs 40 lakh for their solutions. In addition, the winning startups received an opportunity to pitch to RNTBCI leadership and gain access to their global mentorship network.

Earlier this year, T-Hub and RNTBCI partnered for the Open Innovation Challenge. Under this, startups had an opportunity to participate under themes such as mobility as a service, first and last mile connectivity, circular economy, and digitisation. The programme received over 150 applications from startups nationwide. After a screening by T-Hub and RNTBCI, 80 startups were shortlisted based on the theme. A cohort of 20 startups participated in a pre-pitch session, and further 10 were chosen to work on specific use cases.

Srinivas Rao Mahankali, CEO of T-Hub said, "The programme offered these startups an opportunity to experience the support and capabilities of RNTBCI while accelerating their products and solutions to market. In addition, collaboration with the startups enabled RNTBCI to expand its innovation scope, connecting it to disruptive technologies."

Startups in the growth stage with a minimum viable product in the areas of electric vehicles, automated vehicles, assistive technologies, bio-based materials, the internet of waste, re-use, and upcycling were chosen to participate in the programme. Debashis Neogi, Managing Director, RNTBCI said, "In the automotive industry, innovation is one of the key elements, and we would like to use opportunities to ensure to be the front runner in implementing innovative technologies in our cars." T-Hub will be hosting 'Corporate Innovation Conclave' on October 20, 2022.