Archive · 24 Dec 2025
FICCI, Mercedes-Benz Launch Innovation Challenge
FICCI and Mercedes-Benz India have started a special program called the 'Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme'.
This program is for young innovators and startups in India.
It focuses on important areas like making things (manufacturing), being kind to the environment (sustainability), reducing pollution (decarbonisation), electric cars (electric mobility), and education.
The best ideas can win up to Rs 30 lakh and get help from experts.
Important people like Sanjiv Singh from DPIIT and Santosh Iyer from Mercedes-Benz India talked about how this program will help India grow and become more innovative.
They said that big companies and small startups working together can make great things happen.
FICCI and Mercedes-Benz India launched the 'Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme' to support early-stage innovators.
The program focuses on manufacturing, sustainability, decarbonisation, electric mobility, and education.
Top seven winners will receive up to Rs 30 lakh in innovation support, along with year-long mentorship and industry access.
DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh emphasized the importance of collaboration between corporates and startups for fostering innovation.
Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer highlighted the program's alignment with national development priorities and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
- Who
- FICCI, Mercedes-Benz India, Startup India, DPIIT
- What
- Launch of 'Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme'
- When
- December 23, 2025
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To nurture early-stage innovators and strengthen India's startup ecosystem
- Organizers
- FICCI and Mercedes-Benz India
- Support
- Startup India, DPIIT
- Focus Areas
- Manufacturing, sustainability, decarbonisation, electric mobility, education
- Prize
- Up to Rs 30 lakh for top 7 winners
- Additional Benefits
- Mentorship, industry exposure, year-long support
- Launch Date
- December 23, 2025
- Key Speaker
- DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh
- CEO Speaker
- Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director & CEO Santosh Iyer