MBRDI expands Sustainability Garage with two new Centres of Excellence

Initiative upholds Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to shape a more sustainable future at Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024 in New Delhi

Bengaluru- Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has expanded its Sustainability Garage initiative, adding new Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and New Delhi. Announced at the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024, this platform promotes collaboration on sustainability goals across climate, environment, and mobility. Ms. Renata Jungo Brüngger Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity, Governance & Sustainability, and Mr. Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India led discussions with diverse stakeholders on these pressing topics. 

The New Climate Tech Incubator within the Sustainability Garage will support 25 social enterprises with seed funding, mentorship, and tailored support for sustainable mobility and environmental innovation. Additionally, T-Hub will involve 500 students in bootcamps focused on climate tech solutions. Another Centre of Excellence, in collaboration with TERI, will train and certify 60 young professionals in charging infrastructure maintenance to meet growing industry needs. 

Ms. Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity, Governance & Sustainability: “Sustainability means creating permanent value for all stakeholder groups. As a global company and corporate citizen, we want to make a positive contribution to society that goes beyond our core business activities. With the Sustainability Garage, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India underlines the goal of our worldwide corporate citizenship strategy to promoting ecological sustainability and fostering community empowerment. The Indian initiative supports local startups and the next generation of leaders. I am excited to see the innovations emerging from these partnerships.” 

Mr. Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, said, “Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India is committed to leading the charge in sustainable mobility. The new Sustainability Garage projects will play a vital role in furthering innovation from India to meet some of the most pressing global challenges. We are confident that India’s digital R&D talent pool and pioneering spirit will lead us to some transformative climate-positive solutions for the world.” 

The first Sustainability Garage Centre of Excellence was launched at Prayoga Institute of Education Research in February 2024. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it serves as a hub for multidisciplinary research, focusing on developing sustainable materials with diverse applications to benefit society. 

Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2024, hosted at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, brought together thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers to delve into sustainability initiatives and innovations that are driving the future of mobility. With insightful discussions on decarbonisation and circularity trends, traffic safety innovations, and digital trust, the event featured eminent leaders including Mr. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, Mr. Amir Bazaz, Associate Dean, Head Climate & Infrastructure, Indian Institute of Human Settlements, Ms. Sonal Shah, Executive Director, Centre for Sustainable and Equitable Cities, Mr. Srikrishna Murthy, Co-founder and CEO, Sattva Consulting, Mr. Alok Lall, Chief Operating Officer - India and South Asia, Microsoft Corporation, Mr. Vinayak Godse, CEO, Data Security Council of India, and Mr. Ajeya Motaganahalli, VP of Engineering & Managing Director, Pure Storage, among others.