Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Expands Sustainability Garage Initiative with New Centres of Excellence

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has unveiled the expansion of its innovative Sustainability Garage initiative, a pioneering platform aimed at driving collaboration and innovation in sustainable mobility and environmental solutions. This expansion includes the establishment of two new Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and New Delhi, further underscoring the company's unwavering commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Climate Tech Incubator: Nurturing Social Enterprises in Hyderabad

One of the key pillars of this expansion is the launch of the Climate Tech Incubator in Hyderabad. This incubator is set to play a crucial role in supporting 25 social enterprises dedicated to developing groundbreaking solutions in sustainable mobility and environmental innovation.

Supporting Startups with Seed Funding and Expertise

MBRDI will provide these selected enterprises with seed funding, mentorship, and access to deep-tech expertise, empowering them to transform their innovative ideas into reality. This initiative is further strengthened through a partnership with T-Hub, a leading startup incubator in India. Together, they will engage over 500 students in a bootcamp designed to foster the development of cutting-edge climate tech solutions.

Centre of Excellence for Charging Infrastructure in New Delhi

In collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) is also establishing a Centre of Excellence in New Delhi focused on enhancing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This center is dedicated to providing specialized training programs on the maintenance and management of charging infrastructure.

Certifying the Next Generation of Professionals

The training programs at this center aim to certify 60 young professionals by the end of the year, equipping them with the necessary skills to support the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure in India. This initiative reflects MBRDI’s broader strategy to contribute to the development of a robust and sustainable EV ecosystem in the country.

Commitment to Sustainability: A Global Vision

Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity, Governance & Sustainability, emphasized the company’s global commitment to sustainability, stating, “Sustainability means creating permanent value for all stakeholder groups. As a global company and corporate citizen, we want to make a positive contribution to society that goes beyond our core business activities. With the Sustainability Garage, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India underlines the goal of our worldwide corporate citizenship strategy to promoting ecological sustainability and fostering community empowerment. The Indian initiative supports local startups and the next generation of leaders. I am excited to see the innovations emerging from these partnerships.”

Driving Innovation from India

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, highlighted the importance of India's role in the global sustainability agenda, saying, “Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India is committed to leading the charge in sustainable mobility. The new Sustainability Garage projects will play a vital role in furthering innovation from India to meet some of the most pressing global challenges. We are confident that India’s digital R&D talent pool and pioneering spirit will lead us to some transformative climate-positive solutions for the world.”

Sustainability Garage Expansion: Building on Past Success

The expansion of the Sustainability Garage initiative follows the successful launch of the first Centre of Excellence at the Prayoga Institute of Education Research in February 2024. This center has been instrumental in advancing research and development in sustainable materials with a wide range of applications.

Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024: A Platform for Collaboration

The announcement of this expansion was made during the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024, held in New Delhi. The event served as a collaborative platform, bringing together experts from various sectors to discuss pressing sustainability challenges and explore potential solutions in areas such as mobility, decarbonization, circularity, traffic safety, and digital trust. This dialogue highlighted the importance of collective efforts in driving meaningful progress towards a sustainable future.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Sustainability Garage initiative by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India signifies a significant step forward in the company's commitment to fostering sustainable innovation and addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. By establishing new Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and New Delhi, MBRDI is not only empowering startups and young professionals but also strengthening India's role in the global sustainability landscape.

As these initiatives take shape, they are poised to generate transformative solutions that will contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, aligning with Mercedes-Benz's vision of creating lasting value for society. Through collaboration, innovation, and a strong focus on environmental stewardship, MBRDI continues to lead the charge in sustainable mobility and ecological advancement.