Automaker taps deeptech, AI and EV startups to sharpen manufacturing, safety and last-mile mobility
Maruti Suzuki has inducted five Indian deeptech startups into the fourth cohort of its Maruti Suzuki Incubation Program (MSIP), reinforcing its push to embed cutting-edge technology across manufacturing, mobility and workplace safety.
The selected startups—AugurAI, Aatral, Zen Mobility, Indus Vision and Proxgy—will co-create solutions across Maruti Suzuki’s business functions. The cohort has been onboarded in partnership with NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore.
Why This Cohort Matters
What’s Maruti Suzuki really betting on here?
According to MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi, the startups bring capabilities that enable higher-precision manufacturing, sustainable last-mile mobility, and stronger workplace safety systems.
The programme aligns with Maruti Suzuki’s broader strategy to deploy tech-led solutions that improve operational efficiency, quality, safety, customer experience, and the development of smarter, safer vehicles.
As part of MSIP, the automaker will award Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects, spanning AI-based inspection, IoT-enabled safety systems, and electric mobility for aftermarket logistics.
The Five Startups in Focus
AugurAI
Can AI catch defects humans miss?
- Founded: 2022
- Founders: Ravishankar Rajagopalan, Balakumar Murugaiyan
- HQ: Tiruchirappalli
AugurAI builds AI-enabled machine vision systems for automated visual inspection in manufacturing. Its models detect assembly-line errors in real time, reducing manual monitoring and improving quality consistency.
Aatral
What if training felt closer to the factory floor?
- Founded: 2018
- Founders: Prem Anand Balachandran, Sathya Kalaivaani
- HQ: Chennai
Aatral develops immersive XR solutions, spanning VR, AR and industrial metaverse applications. Its DAXR training platform helps enterprises improve communication, workforce training and productivity across complex industrial environments.
Indus Vision
Is zero-defect manufacturing realistic at scale?
- Founded: 2019
- Founders: Sudiip Gupta, Nithesh Hegde, Shailesh Sinha
- HQ: Bengaluru
Indus Vision specialises in AI-powered visual inspection, computer vision and machine learning for quality control and industrial automation. Its solutions are widely used in automotive and manufacturing setups for defect detection and operational efficiency.
Proxgy
Can wearables make factories safer?
- Founded: 2020
- Founder: Pulkit Ahuja
- HQ: Gurugram
Proxgy focuses on IoT-based workplace safety solutions for blue-collar workers. Its product suite includes SmartHat, Sleefe, Lockator, Audiopad, AirHat and BirdBox, aimed at improving safety compliance and on-ground efficiency.
Zen Mobility
Is electric the future of last-mile logistics?
- Founded: 2018
- Founder: Namit Jain
- HQ: Delhi NCR
Zen Mobility designs and manufactures custom light electric vehicles (LEVs) for urban logistics. It has launched Zen Micro Pod variants such as ThermoFlex and LoadMax, targeting lower emissions and higher efficiency in last-mile delivery.
TL;DR
Maruti Suzuki has selected five Indian deeptech startups—AugurAI, Aatral, Indus Vision, Proxgy and Zen Mobility—for the fourth cohort of its incubation programme with NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore. The startups will work on AI manufacturing, workplace safety and electric last-mile mobility PoCs.
AI summary
- Maruti Suzuki inducts 5 startups into MSIP cohort 4
- Programme run with NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore
- Focus areas include AI inspection, XR training, IoT safety and EV logistics
- Selected startups will receive PoC opportunities
- Move supports smarter manufacturing and sustainable mobility
