Bosch India launches 18-week DNA startup accelerator program

Bosch India has launched its first accelerator program for startups called ‘discover, nurture and align - DNA.’ It will be an 18 week program for development, mentoring and piloting platform for startups. It will allow startups to gain access to Bosch’s working environment. These startups will also get the opportunity to pitch to Bosch’s management including Business Unit heads as well as other external investors. “As a technology and solutions leader, Bosch India is looking to partner and collaborate with start-ups that work on disruptive solutions in the areas of mobility solutions, Smart manufacturing, smart cities, Meditech, Agritech and energy,” said Manohar Esarapu, head of Bosch India’s Start-Up Alliance program. Commenting further he stated, “Bosch is also looking to work with start-ups who could help build solutions in enabling technology areas such as, internet of things (IoT), deep learning, analytics, cloud, virtual reality and block chain.” These start-ups would receive personalized mentorship from Bosch experts in areas such as, engineering, scope specific domains, product design, operations, finance and legal among others. “Through this accelerator program selected start-ups have an opportunity to an investor pitch, and the entire Bosch ecosystem, such as, its customers, suppliers and partners among others,” stated Esapru. Bosch calls it a program unique to India and for the first time Bosch would be working with external startups, to mentor and get them investment ready. Bosch is also open to partnering with these start-ups in order to cater to new markets, apart from providing disruptive business models, the company claims. “This program will help Bosch diversify growth into areas beyond mobility solutions,” said Esapru. With its DNA program, Bosch is looking to provide support with scaling, industrialisation of products, market reach and design thinking elements. By offering technology mentorship and support, startups will receive the best-in-class engineering knowhow.