Mercedes-benz Research And Development India Private Limited (MBRDI) recently hosted its annual Innovation Collective event in Bengaluru and Pune, transforming its offices into vibrant centers of technological exploration and forward-thinking ideas. This year’s Innovation Collective 2025, a three-day event, served as a platform to celebrate and propel innovation within the automotive giant, bringing together thought leaders and experts to delve into the future of mobility.
Holistic Innovation and Future Tech Discussions
The event commenced with Dr. Aloknath De’s keynote, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to fostering innovation across various domains. Following this, Balaji Sethuraman skillfully moderated a panel discussion that explored cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, neuromorphic systems, and the latest advancements in Gen AI. The panel featured prominent experts including Dr. Anil Prabhakar, Dr. Chetan Singh Thakur, Arjun Jain, and Parthiv Shah, who shared their insights on these transformative fields and their potential impact on the automotive industry and beyond.
Leadership Perspectives on Innovation
Raghuraman Ramamoorthy guided a crucial discussion with the MBRDI leadership team, including Prasanna Gonuguntla, Umang Dharmik, and Praveen Bhatt. This session highlighted how challenges, collaborative efforts, and the adoption of transformative technologies are the cornerstones of thriving innovation within Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited. The leaders emphasized MBRDI’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new paradigms in automotive engineering and technology.
From Technology to Productization and the Role of IP
Dr. Hari Prasad Konka provided valuable perspectives on the crucial journey from technological inception to successful productization. He stressed the significance of aligning technological readiness with manufacturing and commercial viability. Dr. Karim Nili further enriched the discussions by exploring the strategic role of Intellectual Property (IP) in empowering innovators. He highlighted how IP tools and data intelligence serve as essential resources for navigating the complexities of innovation and securing a competitive edge for Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited.
Engineering, Luxury, and Sustainable Customer Experiences
The intersection of engineering excellence, luxury vehicle design, and sustainable practices in enhancing customer experience was explored by Santosh Iyer, Vyankatesh Kulkarni, and Brendon Sissing. This session underscored Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to not only technological advancement but also to delivering unparalleled and environmentally conscious experiences to its discerning clientele.
Startup Ecosystem Collaboration and Tech Showcases
Startup Autobahn India took center stage with a panel moderated by Dr. Anshuman Awasthi, featuring Naganand Doraswamy, Shweta Pandey, and Shashikant Adsul. The panel illuminated the significance of ecosystem collaboration in driving innovation, particularly within the Indian startup landscape. Adding to the event’s dynamic atmosphere, startups like QpiAI, Algoworks, Deevia Software, CY4, and Fabrik showcased their groundbreaking advancements, offering a glimpse into the future of automotive technology and potential partnerships with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited.
Special Impulses and Innovation Recognition
The Innovation Collective 2025 was further energized by special addresses from Manu Saale, Eileen Böhme, Marc Linkenbach, Dr. Torsten Eder, and Dr. Michael Hafner. The event also featured hands-on technology demonstrations, special recognition awards celebrating individual contributions to innovation, and the signature mbrdiQ automotive innovation quiz. Vignesh Prakash and Kishan Lal K were celebrated as the quiz winners, with Abhishek Nair and Suhas Shivayogi recognized as runners-up.
As the event concluded, attendees returned to their workstations, carrying with them a wealth of new ideas and renewed inspiration. The Innovation Collective 2025 successfully reinforced Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited’s position as a leading force in automotive innovation and its commitment to shaping the future of mobility.
Watch the video highlights of the Innovation Collective 2025 to experience the key moments and insights from this impactful event.
