BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge
An innovation competition by ACIC-BMU Foundation in partnership with Bosch India to find solutions for sustainable mobility with potential grant/prize support and incubation.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- ACIC-BMU Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The BOSCH – BMU Innovation Challenge, run by ACIC-BMU Foundation (Atal Incubation Centre at BML Munjal University) in partnership with Bosch India, is a corporate innovation competition aimed at identifying innovators and researchers working on sustainable mobility. The challenge seeks solutions that enhance mass mobility, reduce environmental impact, improve road safety, and cut accidents and fatalities. Focus areas include connectivity, synthetic fuels and clean technologies, electrification, innovative brake systems, inclusive mobility for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and women, and other sustainable mobility ideas. Applicants must choose one of six problem statements:
- A cost-effective road hazard intelligence system to prevent accidents from road anomalies.
- An automotive-grade lightweight material using recycled metals and bio-based composites to reduce emissions.
- A mobility assistant for safe independent public mobility for people with cognitive disabilities/autism or elderly users.
- An EV charging solution for rural and semi-urban regions.
- A cost-effective scalable solution to improve walking and cycling safety without large infrastructure investment.
- Any other persistent sustainable mobility problem. A separate application is required for each problem statement. The challenge is open to individuals, teams, and startups from India and abroad, at any stage from ideation to scaling, and any Technology Readiness Level (TRL 1-9). There are no strict revenue, incorporation, or prior funding requirements. Participants get incubation support from ACIC-BMU, access to Bosch's mentorship network and technical expertise, exposure to Bosch India's R&D ecosystem, potential grant/prize support, networking opportunities with industry experts and investors, and a demo day showcase.
Highlights
- Innovation challenge format
- Potential grant/prize support
- Incubation & mentorship from ACIC-BMU
- Technical expertise from Bosch India
- Open to Indian and international applicants
- All startup stages and TRLs eligible
Who can apply
Open to individuals, founding teams, and startups (pre-incorporation or incorporated) from India or abroad, across all educational backgrounds and startup stages (Ideation to Scaling), and all Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1-9). No strict requirements for revenue, incorporation, or prior funding.
BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
This innovation challenge offers incubation support from ACIC-BMU Foundation, access to Bosch's mentorship network and technical expertise, and exposure to Bosch India's R&D ecosystem. Finalists and winners will also receive potential grant/prize support, along with networking opportunities with industry experts and investors, and a demo day/showcase opportunity.
About the provider
BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge is offered by ACIC-BMU Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by ACIC-BMU Foundation as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are initially screened and shortlisted by the Bosch-BMU evaluation committee based on the submitted online form, elevator pitch, pitch deck, and supporting documents. Shortlisted teams are then invited to pitch or demo their solutions. Final winners and finalists are selected after this presentation stage.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BOSCH – BMU Innovation Challenge?
It's a corporate innovation competition by ACIC-BMU Foundation and Bosch India to identify innovators and foster solutions in sustainable mobility, focusing on specific problem statements.
Who is eligible to apply for the challenge?
The challenge is open to students, working professionals, self-employed individuals, full-time innovators, and startups (incorporated or pre-incorporation) from both India and internationally. All educational qualifications, startup stages (Ideation to Scaling), and Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1-9) are welcome.
Is there any funding involved, and is it equity-free?
Yes, selected innovators and startups will receive potential grant/prize support. The program is explicitly equity-free and non-repayable.
What kind of support do participants receive?
Participants gain access to Bosch's mentorship network and technical expertise, incubation support from ACIC-BMU Foundation, exposure to Bosch India's R&D ecosystem, and networking opportunities with industry experts and investors, culminating in a demo day.
Is there a deadline for applications?
No fixed deadline is visible; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
How do I apply for the challenge?
Select one problem statement and fill out the online application form at https://acicbmu.accubate.app/ext/form/18641/1/apply. Submit your elevator pitch, societal impact, competitor analysis, IP status, funding history, and expectations. Upload a pitch deck covering the problem, solution, innovation, business model, competition, and team details. Also upload supporting documents like gap identification research, and optionally a Certificate of Incorporation, DPIIT Certificate, or IP Certificate. A separate application is needed for each problem statement.
What documents are typically required?
You need to submit an elevator pitch, pitch deck, gap identification research, and optionally a Certificate of Incorporation, DPIIT Certificate, or IP Certificate.
Is DPIIT recognition required for BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge?
BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge is offered by ACIC-BMU Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from ACIC-BMU Foundation
ACIC-BMU Foundation runs 2 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge
Not sure BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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