The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), in collaboration with PwC India, launched the Start-up Initiative to bridge the innovation gap between established auto-component players and agile technology start-ups. Now in its fourth year, the program has evolved into a structured platform for co-creation, investment, and technology scouting.
The Year 4 cohort includes 16 member companies, categorized into three engagement tracks:
- Option 1 (9 companies): Group-based interactions (e.g., Anand Automotive, Subros, Sona Comstar, Sandhar Technologies)
- Option 2 (5 companies): Individualized sessions (e.g., Best Group, Paracoat Products, Ghaziabad Precision Products)
- Option 3 (2 companies): Fully customized engagement (Sona Comstar, JK Fenner)
Workshop Agenda & Structure
The workshop was held in a hybrid format at the PwC Experience Centre, Gurugram, and via Microsoft Teams. The agenda was designed for interactivity, knowledge sharing, and strategic alignment.
Time | Session | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM | Opening Session & Welcome Note | ACMA Leadership, Working Committee Chairperson |
2:15 PM – 2:55 PM | Panel Discussion: Engaging with Start-ups; Capabilities Required to Win | ACMA Members (JK Fenner, NRB Bearings), Start-ups (CynLr, Minus Zero, Volektra), Moderated by PwC |
2:55 PM – 3:40 PM | Gen-AI Walkthrough & Lab Visit | PwC Auto Team + Gen-AI Team |
3:40 PM – 3:55 PM | Break | |
3:55 PM – 4:25 PM | Themes for Year-4; Portal Walkthrough; Q&A | PwC Team, ACMA Team |
4:25 PM – 4:35 PM | Vote of Thanks & Next Steps | ACMA + PwC Leadership |
4:35 PM – 5:00 PM | High Tea & Networking | All Participants |
Key Focus Areas for Year 4
The initiative prioritizes start-ups in the following innovation domains:
- E-Mobility: Motors, controllers, BMS, battery tech, EV charging
- Smart Manufacturing: Energy management, process automation, AI & data analytics
- Connected & Autonomous Technologies: ADAS, sensors, algorithms, in-cabin monitoring
- Material Technology & Sustainability: Lightweighting, bio-materials, circular economy
- Hydrogen & Emission Control
Top Priority Themes (Option 1 Companies)
- EV Components – Motors and controllers (100% interest)
- Material Technology – Lightweighting and sustainable materials (85% interest)
- Autonomous Technology – ADAS and sensors (80% interest)
- Smart Manufacturing – Energy management, automation, data analytics (88% interest)
- Battery Tech & BMS – Analytics, traceability, recycling (55% interest)
Start-up Evaluation Framework
Start-ups are assessed using a five-parameter model:
- Stage of Evolution – MVP/MMP maturity, funding stage, revenue growth
- Uniqueness & Impact – Innovation level, differentiation, scalability
- Solution-Market Fit – Customer traction, PoCs, OEM partnerships
- Founder & Team – Domain expertise, vision, awards
- Organizational Readiness – Hiring plans, business model flexibility
Eligibility Criteria: Start-ups must be under 10 years old, with turnover below INR 100 Crores, offering auto-specific, disruptive solutions.
Engagement Model
The program follows a hybrid engagement model across three tracks:
- Option 1: 2 online + 1 in-person group sessions
- Option 2: Individual online and in-person sessions
- Option 3: Fully customized 1:1 engagements (3 online + 3 in-person)
In-person events feature dedicated booths for start-up demonstrations, while online sessions include 45–60 minute interactions (20–25 min presentation + 25–30 min Q&A).
Digital Enablement: ACMA Start-up Portal
The ACMA Start-up Portal serves as a centralized platform for:
- Accessing start-up profiles and case studies from previous years
- Viewing workshop decks and knowledge resources
- Managing engagement stages: Screening → Interest → Final Collaboration
- Logging interactions and expressing interest via a dashboard system
- Downloading interaction data in Excel format
Gen-AI Walkthrough & Lab Visit
A key highlight was the Gen-AI session at the PwC Experience Centre, where participants explored real-world applications of Generative AI in the auto-component sector, including:
- AI-driven product design and simulation
- Predictive maintenance and quality control
- Automated technical documentation and customer support
- Market intelligence and competitive analysis
The session included a brainstorming exercise to identify high-impact AI use cases for member companies.
Panel Discussion: Engaging with Start-ups
A dynamic panel featured leaders from:
- ACMA Members: JK Fenner, NRB Bearings
- Start-ups: CynLr (AI-powered mobility), Minus Zero (EV thermal systems), Volektra (EV powertrain)
Topics discussed included co-innovation models, integration challenges, IP management, scaling partnerships, and organizational readiness.
Program Calendar (Oct 2024 – Sep 2025)
Key milestones include:
- Oct 2024: Project kick-off and requirement gathering
- 19 Nov 2024: Group Workshop (Knowledge sharing, Gen-AI session)
- 10–11 Dec 2024: First online group interaction
- 24 Mar 2025: In-person group interaction
- 5–6 Jun 2025: Second online group interaction
- Sep 2025: Plenary closure event
Conclusion
The ACMA Start-up Initiative – Year 4 is a strategic platform for accelerating innovation in the Indian automotive ecosystem. By connecting industry leaders with cutting-edge start-ups and emerging technologies like AI, the program drives technological advancement, co-innovation, and sustainable growth.
Facilitated by: PwC India
Next Steps: First online group interaction on 10–11 December 2024
Program Ends: September 2025
Confidential – Prepared by PwC for ACMA Members Only