Honda Innovation Challenge 2.0

Honda Innovation Challenge 2.0 is a structured co-development program operated by Honda in partnership with T-Hub. It invites Indian startups to build and validate digital technologies that improve the safety, convenience, ownership and mobility experience of Honda’s two-wheeler and four-wheeler customers. Selected startups work directly with Honda’s digital, engineering, strategy and customer-experience teams during a structured proof-of-concept phase. The co-development and PoC period is scheduled from October 2026 through January 2027.

• The startup must have a working product ready for real-world validation.
• The solution must have clear relevance to one or more of the program’s mobility focus areas.
• The team must be capable of building and deploying the solution within the proof-of-concept timeline.
• The solution must be capable of scaling with feasible economics.
• The product must be ready for integration with real systems and operating environments.
• The solution must demonstrate genuine potential to improve Honda’s customer or mobility experience.
• Early customer traction is preferred but is not mandatory.
• Applicants may select multiple relevant focus areas in one application.

• Up to INR 40 lakhs in equity-free co-development grant support per selected startup.
• Total program grant pool of INR 1.6 crores.
• No application or participation fee.
• No equity is taken for participating in the program.
• Direct co-development with Honda’s digital, engineering, strategy and customer-experience teams.
• Technical and domain mentorship from Honda.
• Go-to-market strategy, solution scoping, execution planning and PoC-readiness support from T-Hub.
• Real-world validation within Honda’s customer and operating environment.
• Access to T-Hub’s mentors, investors, corporate partners, network and startup resources.
• The strongest solutions receive a structured pathway towards a pilot and potential long-term partnership with Honda after the proof-of-concept phase.
• The startup retains ownership of its existing intellectual property. Terms governing any jointly developed work will be agreed upon before the build phase.

• Applications are jointly screened and evaluated by Honda and T-Hub.
• Shortlisted startups pitch their solutions directly to Honda.
• Selected startups are announced and matched with relevant focus areas in October 2026.
• The cohort participates in a structured co-development and proof-of-concept phase from October 2026 through January 2027, supported by mentorship and milestone reviews.
• Startups showcase their results to Honda leadership at Demo Day in January 2027.
• The strongest solutions may advance to a structured pilot pathway with Honda.