Maruti Suzuki-JETRO Collaboration Aims to Boost India-Japan Startup Ecosystem

In a significant move to support startups and drive innovation, Maruti Suzuki has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The Maruti Suzuki and JETRO partnership aims to create new opportunities for young companies and foster deeper collaboration between India and Japan.

According to the Free Press Journal, Maruti Suzuki says that the MoU was officially signed between Dr. Tapan Sahoo, Executive Officer – Digital Enterprise at Maruti Suzuki, and Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of JETRO India, in the presence of Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki.

A Boost for Startup Ecosystems in Both Nations

This Maruti and JETRO collaboration will focus on connecting Indian startups with Japanese businesses and investors. The goal is to promote co-innovation and the exchange of ideas and technology. As a result, both Indian and Japanese companies can benefit from shared expertise and market access.

This development comes at a time when the Indian government is actively encouraging international cooperation to promote innovation in India. With this alliance, Maruti Suzuki and JETRO are expected to contribute significantly to that mission.

Details of the Partnership

Under the agreement, selected Indian startups will get access to mentoring, pilot projects, and business matching with Japanese firms. The focus areas will include electric vehicles, connected cars, mobility solutions, and sustainability-driven technology.

The Maruti Suzuki and JETRO partnership will also help Japanese startups explore opportunities in India. This two-way approach will also open doors for Japan-India startup collaboration, leading to mutual growth in areas like manufacturing, logistics, and mobility.

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. 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.”

Industry Reactions

Industry experts have welcomed the announcement, calling it a timely move. The Indian startup scene is evolving rapidly, and this partnership is expected to help early-stage companies scale faster. Japanese companies, on the other hand, can gain insights into India’s diverse and fast-growing market.

The partnership aligns with Maruti Suzuki’s vision to create a robust ecosystem for innovation. According to company officials, working with JETRO will allow them to access global technologies and support the larger goal of making India a hub for innovation.

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.”

What This Means Going Forward

For startups, this collaboration means greater exposure, guidance, and funding opportunities. For Maruti Suzuki and JETRO, it marks a step forward in driving future-ready innovation.

In the coming months, both organisations plan to run startup challenges, mentorship programs, and industry events. These activities will create a platform for knowledge sharing and new product development.

The Maruti Suzuki and JETRO partnership represents a strong commitment to shaping the future of mobility and technology. As both nations invest in youth-led innovation, the road ahead looks promising for startups looking to make a global impact.