Maruti Suzuki Partners With JETRO To Boost India-Japan Startup Collaboration

Maruti Suzuki India has signed an agreement with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to support startups in both countries.

The deal was signed by Dr. Tapan Sahoo from Maruti Suzuki and Takashi Suzuki from JETRO India, with Maruti Suzuki's CEO Hisashi Takeuchi present.

This partnership will help Indian startups connect with Japan’s innovation scene, and give Japanese startups a chance to explore the Indian market. Both sides will support startup participation in events and help them find business partners.

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Startups chosen through Maruti Suzuki’s programs—Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge, and Nurture—can take part in these international opportunities. Japanese startups can also join through JETRO’s channels.

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."

He added, "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."

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 deep-rooted ties between India and Japan."

For the past six years, Maruti Suzuki has run innovation programs with the Government of India's Startup India initiative. During this time, it has reviewed over 5,000 startups, worked closely with 150, and partnered with 25 for business. These programs aim to create solutions for automotive and mobility challenges.

JETRO was founded in 1958, first focused on promoting Japanese exports. Today, it mainly helps attract foreign investment to Japan and supports small and mid-sized Japanese companies in going global. It is a government-backed group that promotes trade and investment between Japan and other countries.

This partnership supports India’s Make in India and Startup India programs, which aim to boost local manufacturing and encourage startups. India is now one of the largest startup hubs, especially in tech and innovation.

Maruti Suzuki, the country’s biggest carmaker by market share, has been a joint venture between Suzuki Motor Corporation and the Indian government since 1981. It has helped shape India’s auto industry and is now focusing more on innovation and tech partnerships.

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