Mercedes-Benz Expands Sustainability Garage Initiative With New Centres

In a significant move to reinforce its commitment to sustainability, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has announced the expansion of its "Sustainability Garage" initiative. This expansion was unveiled during the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024, held at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. The event marked the launch of two new Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and New Delhi, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in sustainable mobility, climate tech, and environmental conservation.

The first of the new Centres of Excellence, the Climate Tech Incubator, is designed to support 25 social enterprises that are pioneering sustainable mobility and environmental innovations. MBRDI has committed to providing seed funding, along with customised support and deep-tech mentorship, to help these enterprises scale their impact. This initiative is set to play a crucial role in the broader climate tech ecosystem in India. Additionally, T-Hub, a prominent startup incubator in India, will collaborate on this project by engaging over 500 students in a design thinking and prototyping boot camp. This program aims to inspire innovative climate tech solutions focused on decarbonisation.

The second Centre of Excellence, dedicated to Charging Infrastructure, is being established in partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). This centre will offer specialised training programs aimed at certifying 60 young professionals in the maintenance of charging infrastructure, addressing a critical need as India accelerates its adoption of electric vehicles.

Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity, Governance & Sustainability said, “With the Sustainability Garage, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India underlines the goal of our worldwide corporate citizenship strategy to promoting ecological sustainability and fostering community empowerment. The Indian initiative supports local startups and the next generation of leaders. I am excited to see the innovations emerging from these partnerships.”

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India said, “Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India is committed to leading the charge in sustainable mobility. The new Sustainability Garage projects will play a vital role in furthering innovation from India to meet some of the most pressing global challenges.”

The Sustainability Dialogue India 2024 served as a platform for meaningful exchanges on pressing sustainability issues. The event featured discussions on decarbonisation, circularity trends, traffic safety innovations, and digital trust. Notable speakers included Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, and Sonal Shah, Executive Director of the Centre for Sustainable and Equitable Cities, among others.

Since its inception in 2008, the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogues have brought together leaders from various sectors to share insights and collaborate on sustainability initiatives. These dialogues, held regularly across Germany, India, China, and the USA, are instrumental in shaping the company’s sustainability strategy.