Hyundai Innovation Challenge 2026

• Startups building innovative solutions in the focus areas of Hyundai
• Strong team with the relevant technology & domain expertise
• Open to partner and develop solutions with Hyundai
• Applicants must be a registered business entity to qualify.

About this scheme

Hyundai Innovation Challenge 2026 brings together Hyundai's market access, R&D capabilities, technical infrastructure, and industry expertise with the agility and innovation of startups. Selected startups will collaborate with teams from Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), Hyundai Motor India Engineering Private Limited (HMIE), and Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) to develop and validate Proof of Concepts (PoCs). The program focuses on mobility, automotive technology, AI, EV infrastructure, manufacturing, sustainability, logistics, and digital transformation. Participants receive paid PoC opportunities, testing and validation support, expert mentorship, market exposure, and potential pathways to future commercial partnerships and investments.

Who can apply

• Applicants must be a registered business entity (startup, company, LLP, or other legally registered organization).
• The startup should be developing innovative solutions aligned with Hyundai's focus areas, including mobility, electrification, AI, ADAS, connectivity, manufacturing, sustainability, logistics, and next-generation vehicle technologies.
• The startup must possess strong technical capabilities and relevant domain expertise.
• Applicants should be willing to collaborate closely with Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), and Hyundai Motor India Engineering Private Limited (HMIE) to co-develop and validate Proof of Concepts (PoCs).
• The solution should demonstrate the potential for real-world deployment, scalability, and commercial viability.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership

Benefits & funding

• PoC Grant Support – Funding support for developing and validating Proof of Concepts (PoCs).
• Co-development with Hyundai – Opportunity to build and test solutions alongside Hyundai's business and engineering teams.
• Testing & Validation – Access to Hyundai's technical infrastructure and validation environments through HMIE.
• Expert Mentorship – Guidance from Hyundai's subject matter experts on technology, product development, and market positioning.
• Market Access – Potential exposure to Hyundai's customer base and business ecosystem.
• Commercialization Opportunities – Opportunity to explore deployment and business partnerships with Hyundai.
• Future Investment Potential – Possibility of follow-on investment opportunities from Hyundai.
• Industry Credibility – Association with a global automotive leader, enhancing startup visibility and credibility.
• Global Growth Opportunities – Potential to scale solutions across Hyundai's global mobility ecosystem.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Hyundai Motor India Limited, in your own name.

1. 1

   Startups submit their applications through the official program portal, providing details about their company, team, technology, product, traction, and the problem statement they intend to solve.

2. 2

   Applications are reviewed to verify eligibility and assess whether the startup's solution aligns with Hyundai's focus areas and innovation priorities.

3. 3

   Eligible startups undergo a detailed evaluation based on innovation, technical feasibility, scalability, market potential, business impact, and strategic relevance to Hyundai.

4. 4

   Shortlisted startups are invited to present their solutions to Hyundai's business, engineering, and R&D teams for technical and commercial assessment.

5. 5

   Based on the evaluation and discussions, Hyundai selects the startups with the strongest potential for collaboration and real-world implementation.

6. 6

   Selected startups work with Hyundai teams to define project objectives, scope, timelines, deliverables, and success metrics for the Proof of Concept (PoC).

7. 7

   Startups receive PoC support and begin developing, integrating, or customizing their solutions in collaboration with Hyundai's technical and business stakeholders.

8. 8

   The developed solutions are tested and validated within Hyundai's ecosystem to assess performance, effectiveness, scalability, and business value.

9. 9

   Successful PoCs are reviewed for broader deployment opportunities, commercial partnerships, customer access, and potential integration into Hyundai's operations or products.

10. 10

    High-performing startups may receive opportunities for long-term collaboration, future investment discussions, and access to Hyundai's global innovation ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions