Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with the Japan External Trade Organization (“JETRO”) to drive innovation and create new business opportunities for startups from both India and Japan. The MoU was officially exchanged by Dr Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer of Digital Enterprise at Maruti Suzuki, and Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of JETRO India, with Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki, present at the event.
The agreement will see Maruti Suzuki and JETRO working together to open up the Japanese startup and innovation ecosystem to Indian startups, while offering Japanese startups the chance to explore opportunities within India’s dynamic startup scene. Both organizations will also collaborate to support the participation of these startups in relevant events and activities, connecting them with potential partners.
Startups selected through Maruti Suzuki’s innovation programs—including the Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge, and Nurture—will be eligible to engage in these networking events. Likewise, JETRO will help Japanese startups access the Indian market and innovation ecosystem.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, commented, “Startups are essential for driving both innovation and economic growth. Through our various innovation programs, we have been working with Indian startups to co-develop technology solutions for the automotive and mobility industries. This MoU with JETRO gives us an exciting opportunity to provide a platform for Indian startups to explore the Japanese market.”
Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of JETRO India, added, “Maruti Suzuki is a prime example of the successful partnership between India and Japan. With this MoU, we are unlocking new opportunities for collaboration, fostering innovation, and strengthening the long-standing ties between our two nations.”
Maruti Suzuki’s innovation initiatives are in alignment with the Government of India’s Startup India program. The company has established several innovation programs—Accelerator, Incubation, Mobility Challenge, and Nurture—that help startups develop solutions to pressing business and societal challenges. Over the past six years, more than 5,000 startups have been evaluated, 150 have been engaged, and 25 have become partners, adding substantial value to Maruti Suzuki’s operations.
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a government-backed organization focused on promoting international trade and investment. Originally founded in 1958 to help Japanese exports, JETRO now prioritizes encouraging foreign direct investment into Japan and assisting small to medium-sized Japanese businesses in expanding their global reach.
