Deadline: 10 November 2024
Applications are now open for the Launchpad: Student Immersion Program, a joint initiative by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India and T-Hub to enable student innovators focused on solving the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The Launchpad: Student Immersion Program is a dynamic 6-week program designed to empower student innovators with the skills and resources needed to bring their climate tech ideas to life. This initiative provides hands-on learning, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge tools, guiding students from concept to prototype.
In a world where sustainable solutions are urgently needed, the Climate Tech Launchpad equips the next generation to lead the charge in creating impactful technologies for a greener future.
Focus Areas
- Sustainable Mobility:
- Traffic Safety
- Mobility as a Service
- Electric Vehicles
- Urban Planning
- Emission Reduction
- Battery Technology
- Circular Supply Chain.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Renewable Energy
- Waste and Air Quality Management
- Water Conservation
- Green Infrastructure
- Carbon Capture and Storage
- Energy Efficiency
- Bio Fuels
- Sustainable Packaging.
Program Modules
- Each stage of the program is crafted to equip you with the skills and insights needed to thrive in Climate Tech.
- Spark: Kickstart your journey with an immersive introduction to product life cycles, innovation strategies, and the founder’s mindset.
- Market Research: Delve into comprehensive market analysis, customer segmentation, competitive landscape, and viability assessments.
- User Research: Engage in hands-on research, conducting surveys and gathering critical data to understand your target audience and their needs.
- Ideation: Blend creativity with structure as you generate and refine ideas, paving the way for breakthrough innovations that stand out.
- Value Proposition & Business Model Canvas: Master the art of crafting a compelling value proposition and aligning it with customer needs.
- Product Design (UX/UI): Focus on the design aspects, creating a user experience that resonates and engages your audience, turning them into advocates.
- Prototyping: Bring your ideas to life by developing a working prototype that captures the essence of your vision, ready for testing and iteration.
- Refine: Incorporate real-world feedback to fine-tune your product, ensuring it meets market demands and exceeds expectations.
Benefits
- Product Design Development: Engage in hands-on sessions to develop and refine your product’s design, ensuring it meets market needs and user expectations.
- Mentorship: Receive personalised guidance from industry experts at MBRDI and T-Hub to help you overcome challenges and achieve milestones.
- Prototyping Workshops: Participate in workshops that provide the tools and knowledge to create a functional prototype of your climate tech solution.
- Progress Tracking: Regular tracking sessions will monitor your progress, ensuring your startup stays on course and achieves set goals.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with potential partners, customers, and investors through curated networking sessions and site visits.
- Technical Assistance: Access technical resources and expertise to solve complex challenges during product development.
- Demo Day: Showcase your solutions in a final pitch session, presenting your product to a jury of industry leaders and potential investors.
- Site Visits: Gain real-world insights through site visits that provide exposure to advanced technologies and operational practices.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for the Launchpad program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Development Stage: Participants should be at the early stages of idea development and ready to progress from concept to prototype during the program.
- Sector Focus: The proposed idea must address sustainability challenges, including renewable energy, sustainable mobility, carbon capture, or other relevant Climate Tech fields.
- Academic Background: Applicants must be students or recent graduates in engineering, environmental science, business, or related disciplines. They strongly encourage cross-disciplinary teams to apply.
- Innovation Potential: The idea should offer a unique approach to solving a climate-related problem, with clear potential for development into a viable prototype.
- Commitment: Participants must be fully committed to engaging in all aspects of the program, including mentorship, workshops, and office hours, to maximise their learning and development.
For more information, visit T-Hub.