Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to nurturing a sustainable ecosystem with the expansion of its Sustainability Garage initiative. Announced at the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024 in New Delhi, this initiative extends its reach with two new Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and New Delhi. These centers are set to drive advancements in sustainable mobility, climate innovation, and charging infrastructure.
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India expands Sustainability Garage with two new Centres of Excellence
New Centres of Excellence: A Focus on Innovation and Infrastructure
The first Centre of Excellence, the Climate Tech Incubator, is dedicated to fostering 25 social enterprises that specialize in sustainable mobility and environmental innovation. MBRDI will support these enterprises with seed funding, personalized mentorship, and deep-tech guidance. This initiative, in collaboration with T-Hub, India’s premier startup incubator, aims to engage over 500 students in design thinking and prototyping bootcamps. These bootcamps are designed to develop innovative climate tech solutions that contribute to decarbonization, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to climate tech innovation.
Complementing the Climate Tech Incubator, the second Centre of Excellence focuses on Charging Infrastructure. In partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), this center will offer specialized training programs to certify 60 young professionals in the maintenance of charging infrastructure, addressing the growing demand in the sustainable energy sector.
Thought Leadership and Global Collaboration
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the importance of sustainability in creating permanent value for stakeholders. She highlighted the role of the Sustainability Garage in promoting ecological sustainability and empowering communities, aligning with Mercedes-Benz’s global corporate citizenship strategy.
Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of MBRDI, expressed confidence in India’s digital R&D talent and pioneering spirit. He emphasized that the new Sustainability Garage projects are crucial in advancing innovation from India, tackling pressing global challenges, and producing transformative climate-positive solutions.
A Hub for Multidisciplinary Research
The first Sustainability Garage Centre of Excellence, launched at the Prayoga Institute of Education Research in February 2024, serves as a hub for multidisciplinary research. It focuses on developing sustainable materials with diverse applications, benefiting society at large. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, this center epitomizes Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainable innovation.
Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024
The expansion was announced during the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024, held at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. The event gathered thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to explore sustainability initiatives and innovations driving the future of mobility. Notable participants included Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, and other eminent leaders from various sectors.
Since 2008, Mercedes-Benz has actively engaged in Sustainability Dialogues across Germany, India, China, and the USA. These dialogues promote collaboration among business leaders, scientists, policymakers, and NGOs, fostering an exchange of ideas and strategies to build a sustainable future.
The expansion of the Sustainability Garage marks a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz in India, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable mobility initiatives and climate tech innovation. As the company continues to drive impactful change, it invites stakeholders to join in shaping a more sustainable future.
