T-Hub, an India-based innovation ecosystem, has announced a strategic partnership with Next Bharat Ventures, a Suzuki initiative, to drive rural innovation.
This collaboration marks a significant commitment by T-Hub to support Next Bharat Ventures, the debut fund of Suzuki Motor Corporation in India dedicated to nurturing and empowering impact entrepreneurs creating value for rural India, T-Hub said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, T-Hub’s expertise and extensive network will be instrumental in amplifying the reach and impact of Next Bharat Ventures’ initiatives.
Through this partnership, T-Hub will leverage its expertise and network to amplify Next Bharat Ventures’ reach and impact.
This will be achieved through three key initiatives: strengthening the Next Bharat Residency Program with joint events, workshops, and mentorship; equipping entrepreneurs with leadership skills specifically for the rural Indian market; and supporting startups from Tier II and III cities to create a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.
Next Bharat Ventures also plans to launch a four-month immersive Next Bharat Residency Program for early-stage entrepreneurs committed to impacting rural and informal sectors in India.
It is noted that previously T-hub supported Suzuki Innovation Center, one of the greenfield initiatives of Suzuki Japan – which is now included as one of the Next Bharat Ventures’ vehicles.
“Through our partnership with Next Bharat Ventures, a Suzuki initiative, we aim to address broad challenges in India, beyond mobility, leveraging the synergistic combination of technology and design,
“This partnership will empower Indian entrepreneurs to scale globally, fostering homegrown technology startups with access to mentorship and guidance from T-Hub and Next Bharat Ventures,” said Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), Chief Executive Officer of T-Hub.
Vipul Nath Jindal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Next Bharat Ventures, said they embark on this journey to cultivate an impact entrepreneurship ecosystem that is deeply community-oriented.
“Our long-term ambition is to collaborate closely with stakeholders within the ecosystem, building compounded synergies,
“Our partnership with T-Hub will empower and nurture Impact Entrepreneurs with access to the T-Hub and Next Bharat ecosystems,” he added.
T-Hub is an innovation hub and ecosystem enabler based in Hyderabad.
The firm has conducted over 100 innovation programs, impacting startups, corporations, and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.
Since its inception, it has facilitated access to better technology, talent, mentors, customers, corporates, investors, and government agencies for over 2000 national and international startups.
Next Bharat Ventures is an Impact Fund founded with a mission to address global income disparities by improving the income levels in rural and informal sectors, which constitute more than 2/3rd of India’s population.
Next Bharat supports impact entrepreneurs focused on enhancing incomes in these sectors of India, fostering a community of cause-driven entrepreneurs dedicated to societal contributions and community building.
The fund is sector-agnostic with a primary focus on areas such as agriculture, rural supply chain, financial inclusion, and rural mobility.
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