Gurugram-based startup AHODS Technologies won the ‘Uber Sustainovate’ startup challenge held in Bengaluru. The company developed an on-demand hydrogen retro-fitment kit, aimed at addressing India’s sustainability goals.
The startup challenge aims to encourage efforts by Indian companies towards building sustainable mobility solutions for India. The team won a prize of Rs 1 crore.
Pune-based Govidyouth Mobility Limited with its developed EV range extender came second, while Gurgaon-based Metz Energy Pvt Ltd’s e-trike (tricycle) with a dedicated loading bay was adjudged as the third-best solution around sustainable mobility. Uber Sustainovate received applications from over 140 startups in the country, which went through three jury rounds.
The competition was organised in partnership with Startup India and Nasscom AI, and was designed to award startups that produced the best workable ideas to help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in the country. The top three companies will receive mentorship from Uber India’s tech leadership on best practices, innovation and scaling.
“The Uber Sustinovate is a medium of hope and a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead in our journey toward a greener future. The challenge laid out today—to find the most innovative solutions that steer us towards zero tailpipe emissions—is critical. It mirrors our own aspirations within Karnataka and, by extension, India, to cultivate a landscape where sustainable mobility is not just an option but a way of life,” said Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil.
Uber has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and has been working with governments, partners, think-tanks and others to address global sustainability challenges. Uber Sustainovate was designed to provide a platform for visionary startups that are eager to turn their ambition into action.
Uber has also taken various steps over the past years in its push to net-zero emissions, including placing India’s largest ever EV order, with Tata Motors, for 25,000 Xpres-T compact sedans to be delivered by 2025, while also signing MoUs with EV financing companies, and charging infrastructure companies.
“We saw a whole host of bright and futuristic ideas from over 140 startups from all parts of the country. It is extremely encouraging to see Indian startups lead innovation globally in terms of sustainable mobility, and we are supporting them in their endeavour,” said Manikandan Thangarathnam, senior director of engineering, and Head of the Bangalore Tech Center, Uber.
