A joint Initiative by Nasscom Deeptech & Nasscom ER&D
Nasscom Mobility Innovation Challenge 2.0
Shaping the Future of Mobility with Deeptech
A legacy of Deeptech recognition
The Indian mobility landscape is undergoing a structural paradigm shift driven by software-defined architectures, accelerated electrification, and deeptech integration. According to recent reports by Google and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India’s total mobility market is set to double, crossing $600 Billion by 2030. Emerging revenue streams including electric vehicles (EVs), connected car tech, smart fleet logistics, and software-defined mobility—are projected to account for $100 Billion+ of this market. Coupled with policy catalysts like the PM e-DRIVE scheme, CAFE III standards, and Production Linked Incentives (PLI) for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries, India is rapidly evolving from a high-volume manufacturing center into a global design and engineering hub for intelligent, sustainable transport.
Building on the momentum established in 2025, the Mobility Innovation Challenge and Mobility Confluence demonstrated strong ecosystem participation and enterprise–startup engagement. The 2025 edition evaluated 390 applications, enabling 54 startup pitches directly to 6 corporate partners, culminating in the recognition of winning startups at the Mobility Confluence. The Confluence brought together 320+ participants, 77 CXOs, and representatives from 223 unique organisations, including 69 corporate entities, spanning leading Indian enterprises such as Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, TCS, Wipro, LTTS, TVS Motor, Apollo Tyres and HCLTech; global mobility and engineering GCCs including Mercedes-Benz R&D, Stellantis, Jaguar Land Rover TBSI, UD Trucks, Bosch Global Software, Elektrobit and ZF Digital; and leading academic and research institutions including IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad, IISc and NIT Calicut.
Nasscom aims to bridge these systemic gaps by providing a neutral, structured co-creation platform that aligns cutting-edge deeptech innovation with enterprise corporate roadmaps. The Mobility Innovation Challenge 2.0 brings together growth-stage startups, Tier-1 suppliers, and global and Indian automotive OEMs to co-develop commercial pilots, streamline access to digital engineering and design stacks, accelerate EV & connected tech adoption, and build resilient, localized automotive supply chains.
Market Outlook
India Mobility Market Focus
Problem Statements
Coming Soon...
Who can apply?
Eligibility Criteria
- Be registered as a private limited company, a partnership firm, or a limited liability partnership in India.
- Maintain a functional office in India, even if you operate abroad (excluding technical support functions). This means you should have a headquarters or active operational office here.
- Be founded within the last 10 years (established after March 2016).
- Have a turnover (revenue) of less than INR 100 crores in any of the previous financial years.
- Have a team of at least two people.
- Be in the early stages of development, from a new startup to a company raising its first round of funding (Series A) or entering early commercialization (TRL 2/3 to TRL 8/9). (TRL stands for Technology Readiness Level, a measure of development.)
- Have evidence to support your claims, such as a scientific validation, proof of concept, or a prototype.
Application Process
Application window
1st Oct – 15th Nov, 2026
Evaluation & Shortlisting
1st Nov – 20th Nov, 2026
Final Pitch
15th Nov – 25th Nov, 2026
Award Ceremony
10th Dec (tentative)
Why Apply?
Unparalleled Visibility and Recognition
Winners will receive national recognition through Nasscom’s vast network. You will be featured in industry events, reports, and publications.
Pitch your groundbreaking solution to renowned Beyond recognition, participating startups gain unparalleled access to key decision-makers and business leaders from major automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. This translates into concrete opportunities for paid Proof of Concepts (PoCs), pilot projects, and potential long-term contracts, enabling them to scale their solutions, generate revenue, and gain critical industry validation.
Gain valuable media exposure with interview opportunities, putting your deep tech innovation in the national news.
Fast-Track Path to Funding & Partnerships
Network with influential corporate executives, potential investors, and decision-makers at Nasscom Deeptech Meetups and Events throughout the year.
Winning validates your tech solution with top Corporates and investors. Additionally, winners gain access to dedicated mentorship opportunities to refine your business strategy and prepare for successful fundraising conversations.
Build Lasting Connections
Become a part of a Global Deep Tech Community & join a thriving network of deep tech startups, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
FAQs
No, there is no application fee.
The application period for will be open from 1st Oct to 15th Nov 2026.
All the information must be shared while filling the application form. Rest be assured that the information filled will be used by nasscom & the corporate partner only to evaluate your nomination & not for any other purpose.
If you wish to make any change, you will be required to fill the application form again. In such case, we will consider the latest form submitted.
We highly recommend that at least one of the founders to be present for the jury round.
Please refer to the detailed eligibility criteria mentioned above.
It’s up to you to apply for 1 or more Problem statements. Each application will be judged independentally.
All application updates will be sent to the email address of the SPOC (Single Point of Contact) provided during the application process. Please ensure that the SPOC’s email account is regularly monitored, including checking the spam or junk folders for any important communications.
Award winners will be announced in-person event on 10th Dec 2026 (tentative)
For any queries, write to us at nahla@nasscom.in