Uber’s Zero Emission Push - Announces Winner of Rs 1 Crore Start-Up Challenge 

Uber has announced the winner of 'Uber Sustainovate’, its start-up challenge looking for innovative solutions to fast-track the adoption of sustainable mobility in India. Uber awarded Gurgaon-based start-up AHODS Technologies the grand prize of $120,000 for its on-demand hydrogen retro-fitment kit, aimed at helping address India’s sustainability goals. 

The winner’s cheque of $120,000 was handed over to the winner by MB Patil, Honorable Minister of Industries, Government of Karnataka. Speaking at the occasion, Patil said, “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.”. 

The competition, in partnership with Startup India and Nasscom AI, was designed to award start-ups that produced the best workable ideas that would help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in the country. The top 3 companies will receive mentorship from Uber India’s tech leadership on best practices, innovation, and scaling. 

Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director of Engineering and Head of the Bangalore Tech Center at Uber, said, “We saw a whole host of bright and futuristic ideas from over 140 start-ups from all parts of the country. It’s encouraging to see Indian start-ups lead innovation globally in terms of sustainable mobility, and we’re glad to be able to support them in their endeavor.” 

As the leading ridesharing company, Uber is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and has been continuously working with governments, partners, think tanks, and others to address global sustainability challenges, as per a company statement. To promote an ecosystem where start-ups are incentivised to work on the emergence of sustainable solutions, Uber Sustainovate was designed to provide a platform for visionary start-ups, reads the company statement.