The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, October 22, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Michelin, a global leader in tyre technology, has announced the winners of the inaugural Michelin AI Challenge, marking a significant milestone in the AI-driven innovation landscape. The competition, launched in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Startup India, aims to foster entrepreneurship and encourage cutting-edge developments within India’s burgeoning AI startup ecosystem.
The prestigious award ceremony, held at IIT Delhi, saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Petros Sourmelis, Minister-Counsellor, Delegation of the EU to India and Bhutan; Marie Khater, Deputy Head of the Regional Economic Department for India and South Asia, Embassy of France; Dr. Ambica Rajagopal, Michelin Group’s Chief Data and AI Officer; and Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India.
During the event, 10 finalists pitched their innovative ideas, and Kogo.ai, Prophecy, and Zangoh.ai emerged as the top winners. These startups impressed the judges with their AI solutions, designed to co-build strategic projects with Michelin while receiving mentorship and valuable exposure to global best practices. The competition was intensely evaluated by Michelin’s team of AI experts, business leaders, and developers. As a result of this collaboration, an MoU has been signed between Michelin and DPIIT, reinforcing the commitment to promote sustained innovation and entrepreneurship within India’s AI sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ambica Rajagopal emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this challenge, stating, “The Michelin AI Startup Challenge is crafted to discover and support startups that leverage AI in a responsible and innovative way, applying agents, LLMs, computer vision, and robotics to improve manufacturing, product quality, and road safety. By harnessing the power of generative AI, we can uncover optimal paths to action and generate insights that drive deeper customer engagement.”
Shantanu Deshpande highlighted Michelin’s commitment to India, noting the establishment of the company’s AI headquarters in Pune as a testament to its long-term vision. “Our partnership with the government and initiatives like this reflect our belief in collaboration, where Michelin’s global expertise combined with India’s entrepreneurial talent creates a platform for growth,” he remarked.
Special guest Petros Sourmelis expressed enthusiasm for Michelin’s initiative, which attracted over 200 startups nationwide, signifying the growing interest in AI-driven industrial innovation. “This challenge demonstrates the potential for India to lead in AI-driven solutions. It will undoubtedly spur industry-linked innovation and entrepreneurship,” he stated.
Marie Khater echoed these sentiments, celebrating Michelin’s role in bolstering the Indo-French digital partnership. “Michelin’s commitment to innovation in India showcases the strength of our bilateral ties, particularly as we approach the Indo-French Year of Innovation in 2026,” she added.
The Michelin AI Challenge spanned 12 weeks, involving outreach, applications, and mentorship, culminating in the grand finale at IIT Delhi. The challenge drew 106 applications, with startups from both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities participating, highlighting the diversity and talent present across the country.
The top three winners, Kogo.ai, Prophecy, and Zangoh.ai, were awarded paid pilot projects worth up to Rs 5 lakh each, along with the opportunity to access global contracts and incubation support from Michelin’s leadership team.
This initiative is part of DPIIT’s ongoing efforts to support startups in the manufacturing sector, providing early-stage support and creating an enabling environment through industry-led incubators. The collaboration aims to empower Indian startups to lead in the global AI innovation space, bolstering sustainable practices and pioneering technologies that will shape the future of manufacturing.
