We held the finale of ‘Uber Sustainovate’, our Startup Challenge looking for innovative solutions to fast track the adoption of sustainable mobility in India, and after 3 rigorous jury rounds, awarded Gurgaon-based startup AHODS Technologies the grand prize of $120,000 (~ Rs 1 crore) for its fuel reduction device, aimed at helping address India’s sustainability goals.

The winner’s cheque of $120,000 was handed over to AHODS Technologies by Shri MB Patil, Honorable Minister of Industries, Government of Karnataka. AHODS Technologies’ solution allows for existing internal combustion engines to be retrofitted with kits sending hydrogen into the engine on-demand, resulting in fuel savings of up to 20%.  

The competition, in partnership with Startup India and nasscom AI, was designed to award startups 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 our India tech leadership on best practices, innovation and scaling. 

We saw a whole host of bright and futuristic ideas from over 140 startups from all parts of the country. It’s extremely encouraging to see Indian startups lead innovation globally in terms of sustainable mobility, and we’re glad to be able to support them in their endeavour. This goes with our vision and mission to have net-zero emissions by 2040 globally.

Pune-based Govidyouth Mobility Pvt Ltd, with its innovative EV range extender was second, while Gurgaon-based Metz Energy Pvt Ltd’s e-trike (tricycle) with a dedicated loading bay was adjudged as the third-best solution around sustainable mobility. Uber Sustainovate received applications from over 140 startups in the country, which went through 3 jury rounds with founders fielding questions on vision, profitability, practicality, and the uniqueness of the solution, among others. 

As the leading ridesharing company, we are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and have been continuously working with Governments, partners, think-tanks and others to address global sustainability challenges. With the aim to promote an ecosystem where startups are incentivised to work on emergence of sustainable solutions, Uber Sustainovate was designed to provide a platform for visionary startups that are eager to turn their ambition to action.

We have taken various steps over the past years in our push to net-zero emissions, including placing India’s largest ever EV order, with Tata Motors, for 25,000 Xpres-T compact sedans to be delivered by 2025, while also signing MoUs with EV financing companies, and charging infrastructure companies.