Honda Digital Innovation India and T-Hub have launched Honda Innovation Challenge 1.0, described as India’s first Honda-backed startup co-development programme aimed at building mobility and digital solutions for the Indian market.
The programme was officially launched at T-Hub’s Phase 2 campus in Hyderabad in the presence of Honda executives, startup founders, investors and mobility ecosystem stakeholders.
Honda deepens innovation focus in India
The initiative follows the recent launch of Honda Digital Innovation India, a dedicated innovation entity established to develop digital services and mobility solutions tailored for Indian customers.
Honda Digital Innovation India Director Kunal Behl said the future of mobility will be driven through collaboration with agile startups and technology innovators.
He noted that the Honda Innovation Challenge is designed to co-create practical mobility solutions that enhance customer experience while enabling startups to contribute fresh ideas, digital capabilities and disruptive thinking to real-world use cases.
During the launch event, Behl presented co-development cheques of up to ₹10 lakh to each of the four selected startups.
Four startups selected from over 300 applications
The programme received more than 300 applications from startups across India and international markets covering six use cases.
After multiple evaluation rounds focused on technology maturity, India-market relevance and the ability to deliver a proof of concept within 60 days, 25 startups were shortlisted and invited to pitch to Honda’s global teams.
The final cohort includes XANE AI, Attento Technologies, AppTestify and Sensight Technologies (AutoWiz).
The selected startups will now work with Honda over the next 60 days to co-develop and validate solutions using real vehicles, Indian road conditions and operational data. The programme will conclude with a Demo Day scheduled for July 31, 2026.
Building a mobility ecosystem
Honda Digital Innovation India said it aims to create a digital mobility ecosystem integrating motorcycles, automobiles and digital services while addressing mobility-related challenges in India.
The launch event also featured a panel discussion on startup-corporate collaboration in the mobility sector, moderated by T-Hub Vice President Innovation Sudhanshu Chaturvedi.
Panelists included Honda Digital Innovation India Head of Innovation Gopinath Raja and Hala Mobility Founder Srikanth Reddy.
Headquartered in Hyderabad, T-Hub works with startups across sectors including mobility, fintech, healthtech and enterprise technology in collaboration with the Government of Telangana.