Bosch launches programme for start-ups

Bosch India has launched an accelerator programme for start-ups, 'discover, nurture and align-DNA', with the company looking to work on technologies such as internet of things (IoT), deep learning, analytics, cloud, virtual reality and block chain among others.

The 18-week programme will provide a development, mentoring and piloting platform for start-ups, apart from offering start-ups the opportunity of gaining access to Bosch's working environment. Furthermore, start-ups will also be able to pitch to Bosch's management-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 programme.

''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 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,'' added Manohar.

Such an accelerator programme is unique to India as it is the first time Bosch would be working with external start-ups, 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.

Through this model Bosch intends to gain a strong foothold into India's booming start-up market. Such an exposure would also help the organisation to bring about a transformational change helping it become an agile and flexible organisation while doing business.

Above all Bosch would be able to hedge itself against possible disruptions often hovering over traditional businesses. ''This programme will help Bosch diversify growth into areas beyond mobility solutions,'' said Manohar.

In India, Bosch is a supplier of technology and services in mobility solutions, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology. Bosch has its largest development centre in India, outside Germany, for engineering and technology solutions.

The Bosch Group operates in India through nine companies such as Bosch Limited, Bosch Chassis Systems India Limited, Bosch Rexroth India Limited, Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Limited, Bosch Automotive Electronics India Private Limited, Bosch Electrical Drives India Private Limited, BSH Home Appliances Private Limited, ETAS Automotive India Private Ltd. and Robert Bosch Automotive Steering India Pvt. Ltd.