Hyundai Shortlists 16 Startups From 980 Entries in Its First Innovation Challenge
The 16 companies pitched to Hyundai's India leadership on 29 October. What Hyundai was looking for, the full list, and what happens next.
Hyundai Motor India has shortlisted 16 startups from 980 applications in its first Hyundai Innovation Challenge, a programme to find companies it can work with on future car technology.
The shortlisted startups pitched to the leadership of Hyundai Motor India and its engineering arm, Hyundai Motor India Engineering, on 29 October. The company announced the result on 30 October.
What Hyundai Was Looking For
Hyundai launched the challenge in April 2026 with 15 focus areas. They included electrification, smart mobility, connectivity, driver assistance systems (ADAS), artificial intelligence and customer experience.
The programme was supported by ZER01NE, the open innovation platform of the parent Hyundai Motor Group. Startups went through several rounds of evaluation, mentoring and business reviews before the final pitch day.
The 16 Startups
Hyundai named all 16 companies but did not say which area each one works in.
| Startups 1 to 8 | Startups 9 to 16 |
|---|---|
| Pulse Energy | Unbox Robotics |
| Novus Hi-tech | Motiv AI |
| CraftifAI | AMI Technologies |
| AmpereHour | Dasham Labs |
| Enmovil | AltMat |
| GoComet | Simlioncis |
| Haulog Technologies | Ravity |
| Syook | EmpFly Services |
What Happens Next
Hyundai said it will now look at working with selected startups through pilot projects, paid proofs of concept, technology validation and business deals. It did not say how many would get contracts, or when.
Managing director Tarun Garg said the future of mobility will be driven by collaboration between established carmakers and startups.
The challenge sits alongside Hyundai's product plans. On 28 October, Garg said Hyundai plans to bring a dedicated mass-market EV to India between January and March 2027. Its current electric line-up in India is the Creta Electric and the Ioniq 5.