Uber's initiative to promote zero emissions - Declares the recipient of the Rs 1 crore startup challenge.

Uber has announced the winner of its 'Uber Sustain ovation' Startup Challenge, aimed at seeking innovative solutions to accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility in India. The grand prize of $120,000 (~ Rs 1 crore) was awarded to AHODS Technologies, a Gurgaon-based startup, for its on-demand hydrogen retro-fitment kit, which aims to contribute to India's sustainability goals.

The winner, AHODS Technologies, received the prize from Shri MB Patil, Honourable Minister of Industries, Government of Karnataka, at the event. Speaking on the occasion, Honourable Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka, Shri. MB Patil, emphasized the significance of the challenge in promoting a greener future and sustainable mobility as a way of life.

The competition, held in collaboration with Startup India and NASSCOM AI, aimed to recognize startups with the most innovative ideas to advance sustainable mobility in the country. The top three companies, including AHODS Technologies, will receive mentorship from Uber India’s tech leadership on best practices, innovation, and scaling.

Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director of Engineering and Head of the Bangalore Tech Centre at Uber, commended the innovative ideas presented by over 140 startups across the country. He highlighted Uber's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and its support for Indian startups leading innovation in sustainable mobility.

The second-place winner was Govidyouth Mobility Pvt Ltd from Pune, recognized for its innovative EV range extender, while Metz Energy Pvt Ltd. from Gurgaon, with its e-trike featuring a dedicated loading bay, secured the third position. The competition witnessed rigorous evaluation rounds with founders answering questions on vision, profitability, practicality, and uniqueness of their solutions.

As part of its efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, Uber has taken various initiatives, including placing India’s largest EV order with Tata Motors and signing MoUs with EV financing and charging infrastructure companies. The 'Uber Sustainovate' initiative aims to foster an ecosystem where startups are incentivized to develop sustainable solutions and turn their ambitions into action.