In a continued effort to champion sustainability, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has expanded its “Sustainability Garage” initiative by launching two new Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and New Delhi. These centers, introduced at the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024 in New Delhi, aim to foster sustainable mobility and environmental innovation while accelerating India’s role in global green initiatives
New Centres of Excellence to Foster Climate Innovation and Sustainable Mobility in India
The expansion is a significant milestone in Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to environmental stewardship, focusing on collaboration and developing green technologies. The initiative will address critical areas like climate tech, renewable energy, sustainable materials, and circular economy principles. As climate challenges intensify, these Centres of Excellence will be pivotal in nurturing ideas and turning them into impactful solutions.
Climate Tech Incubator: Powering Climate Solutions
One of the standout components of the new centres is the Climate Tech Incubator, launched in collaboration with T-Hub, a renowned Indian startup incubator. The incubator is set to support 25 social enterprises focusing on climate solutions, offering seed funding, mentorship, and resources to innovators in sustainable mobility and eco-friendly technologies. Mercedes-Benz’s efforts are not limited to established players; the program will actively engage over 500 students, empowering young minds to ideate and create solutions for a greener future. The involvement of the youth is essential for nurturing the next generation of climate-conscious leaders who will drive the world towards cleaner energy, innovative technologies, and sustainable living.
With the backing of one of the world’s leading automotive companies, these startups will have access to global expertise and cutting-edge research that will help them scale their solutions. This unique blend of industry leadership and grassroots innovation is set to fast-track the journey towards achieving global climate goals.
Boosting Charging Infrastructure: The Next Step in Green Mobility
India’s rapid transition to electric vehicles has created an urgent demand for charging infrastructure nationwide. Recognizing this need, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to establish a dedicated center focused on creating a skilled workforce for the EV industry. This center will provide specialized training, certifying 60 professionals in 2024 to build the infrastructure to meet the growing demand for EV charging stations nationwide.
The training initiative is in direct response to the surge in electric vehicle adoption in India, a move that aligns with the nation’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving energy security. These newly certified professionals will be at the forefront of building a reliable and robust EV ecosystem, contributing significantly to the green economy.
India’s Role in Climate-Positive SolutionsMercedes-Benz’s leadership team, including Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to creating value while reducing environmental impact. She highlighted that these initiatives reflect the company’s vision of sustainable growth, where innovation in green mobility and ecological sustainability go hand in hand.
As one of the fastest-growing economies, India has a crucial role in the global shift towards sustainability. Manu Saale, MBRDI’s Managing Director and CEO, noted that the expansion of the Sustainability Garage initiative represents the country’s importance in the company’s strategy to drive transformative climate-positive solutions. India’s wealth of talent, coupled with its commitment to sustainability, makes it a fertile ground for innovation in climate tech, circularity, and renewable energy.
Sustainability Dialogue India 2024: A Platform for Collaboration
The Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, served as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to exchange ideas and collaborate on innovations in decarbonization and green technologies. The dialogue highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in driving systemic change and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Speakers at the event underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into the core of every industry, not just as a compliance measure but as a driver of innovation and growth. The launch of the new Centres of Excellence during this dialogue symbolized a collective commitment to address pressing environmental challenges and create a more resilient, sustainable future.
The Future of Sustainable Mobility and Circular Economy
Expanding the Sustainability Garage initiative is a forward-looking step that aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s broader mission to lead the global automotive industry toward a greener and more sustainable future. The company’s existing efforts in sustainable materials, coupled with the new ventures into climate tech and charging infrastructure, signal a transformative approach to tackling the environmental challenges of our time. Mercedes-Benz’s initiatives are rooted in collaboration within the industry and with academia, government bodies, and local communities. By sharing knowledge, resources, and innovations, the company hopes to create a ripple effect, inspiring other industries to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a circular economy.
Leading by Example
Mercedes-Benz is setting a new standard for the automotive industry and demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing climate change. The latest Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and New Delhi are tangible steps toward a future where sustainability is at the heart of innovation. With initiatives focused on empowering young talent, supporting green startups, and developing crucial EV infrastructure, Mercedes-Benz drives the narrative that sustainable progress is a shared responsibility.
This expansion reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to creating a positive environmental impact while contributing to India’s green growth story. As global challenges like climate change continue to mount, initiatives like these will be essential in shaping a sustainable future.
For more in-depth analysis and inspiring climate news, click here.
