Uber’s Zero Emission Push – Announces Winner of Rs 1 Crore Startup Challenge
Mumbai, March 15, 2024: Uber announced the winner of ‘Uber Sustainovate’, its Startup Challenge looking for innovative solutions to fast track the adoption of sustainable mobility in India. Uber awarded Gurgaon-based startup AHODS Technologies the grand prize of $120,000 (~ Rs 1 crore) for its on-demand hydrogen retro-fitment kit, aimed at helping address India’s sustainability goals.
The winner’s cheque of $120,000 was handed over to the winner by Shri MB Patil, Honorable Minister of Industries, Government of Karnataka.
Speaking at the occasion Honorable Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Govt of Karnataka Shri. MB Patil said “Uber Sustinovate is not just an event; it is a medium of hope and a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead in our journey toward a greener future. The challenge laid out today—to find the most innovative solutions that steer us towards zero tailpipe emissions—is critical. It mirrors our own aspirations within Karnataka and, by extension, India, to cultivate a landscape where sustainable mobility is not just an option but a way of life”.
The competition, in partnership with Startup India and nasscom AI, was designed to award startups that produced the best workable ideas that would help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in the country. The top 3 companies will receive mentorship from Uber India’s tech leadership on best practices, innovation and scaling.
Commenting on the startup challenge, Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director of Engineering, and Head of the Bangalore Tech Center, Uber said, “We saw a whole host of bright and futuristic ideas from over 140 startups from all parts of the country. It’s extremely encouraging to see Indian startups lead innovation globally in terms of sustainable mobility, and we’re glad to be able to support them in their endeavour. This goes with our vision and mission to have net-zero emissions by 2040 globally.”
Pune-based Govidyouth Mobility Pvt Ltd, with its innovative EV range extender was second, while Gurgaon-based Metz Energy Pvt Ltd’s e-trike (tricycle) with a dedicated loading bay was adjudged as the third-best solution around sustainable mobility. Uber Sustainovate received applications from over 140 startups in the country, which went through 3 rigorous jury rounds with founders fielding questions on vision, profitability, practicality, and the uniqueness of the solution, among others.
As the leading ridesharing company, Uber is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and has been continuously working with Governments, partners, think-tanks and others to address global sustainability challenges. With the aim to promote an ecosystem where startups are incentivised to work on emergence of sustainable solutions, Uber Sustainovate was designed to provide a platform for visionary startups that are eager to turn their ambition to action.
Uber has taken various steps over the past years in its push to net-zero emissions, including placing India’s largest ever EV order, with Tata Motors, for 25,000 Xpres-T compact sedans to be delivered by 2025, while also signing MoUs with EV financing companies, and charging infrastructure companies.