Michelin, one of the global leaders in tyre technology, announced a collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to launch India’s first AI Startup Challenge. The initiative aims to propel innovation and entrepreneurship in the country’s manufacturing sector.

The challenge was unveiled in the presence of senior DPIIT officials, including Joint Secretary Sanjiv and Director Sumeet Kumar Jarangal. Dr Ambica Rajagopal, Group Chief Data and AI Officer, and Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India, represented Michelin. A recorded address by DPIIT Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasised the programme’s significance.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of DPIIT, said, “Michelin and Startup India, through the AI Challenge, invite Indian startups to co-build technical solutions using large language models for business use cases. The Michelin AI Startup Challenge offers opportunities to develop solutions in manufacturing, supply chain, operating software, and infrastructure, leveraging AI and robotics to enhance manufacturing processes, improve product quality, boost safety, and reduce defects. This initiative aims to create sustainable products and expose Indian talent to global contexts and clients. I encourage all DPIIT-recognised startups to apply for the programme and wish them the best.”

Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and the key role that manufacturing companies like Michelin play in bringing the right resources to help elevate the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He also focused on the department’s commitment to empowering startups to scale their innovations and make a lasting impact on a global scale.

Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, spoke about the importance of AI and the government’s focus on advanced manufacturing and automation. He congratulated the Michelin team for developing a programme completely synergistic with the nation’s vision.

The 12-week challenge, hosted on the Startup India portal, invites applications from leading Indian AI startups. Selected participants will receive mentorship and the opportunity to compete at a demo day in Delhi this September. The top eight finalists will pitch their solutions to a panel of judges from Startup India and Michelin India.

The top three startups will be awarded paid pilot projects with Michelin, valued at up to INR 5,00,000 each. Additionally, they will be eligible for long-term global contracts and incubation support from Michelin leadership. The challenge focuses on fostering AI-powered solutions in manufacturing, supply chain management, operational software, and infrastructure development.

Dr Ambica Rajagopal, Michelin Group Chief Data and AI Officer at Michelin India said, “There has never been a more exciting time for startups in the AI world, and we are delighted to contribute significantly to advancing India’s technology sector. It is a proud moment for us to strengthen our commitment to the AI industry in collaboration with the government’s visionary Startup India initiative.”

 Commenting on this initiative, Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, stated, “At Michelin, we are committed to a greener future where sustainability and innovation are at the forefront of our efforts. We eagerly anticipate the participation of Indian startups in the AI challenge as we co-build global solutions together.”

 The initiative will unfold in stages, beginning with outreach and application collection in July. Shortlisted startups will undergo mentorship until September, culminating in a final pitch event.

This 12-week AI Startup Challenge aims to find and support innovative startups in manufacturing. Top winners will receive mentorship, pilot projects, and incubation opportunities. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between industries and startups, empowering them with AI to become global leaders.

As part of a strategic effort to increase its presence in the region's premium original equipment (OE) market, Kumho Tire has confirmed its plans to establish its first tyre production facility in Europe by 2027.

The company has shortlisted Poland, Serbia and Portugal as possible locations for the plant, which is projected to need an investment of more than KRW1 trillion (USD 705 million). The decision is closely linked to Kumho’s ambition to strengthen its partnerships with European automakers and was revealed by Kumho Tire CEO during the South Korean premiere of Kumho's new Ecsta Sport tyre line.

Kumho has recently secured OE supply contracts with major brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen Group. At the moment, Kumho runs eight tyre production plants in China, Vietnam, South Korea and the US. Its capacity to compete in the premium OE market, however, has come to be perceived as being constrained by the absence of a European production base. Through the benefits of local production, the new facility will improve response to European client requests, save freight costs and shorten delivery times, all of which will strengthen the company's partnerships.

Sentury Tire USA has opened pre-enrolment for its two associate dealer programmes (ADPs), the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program and the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and partnership to the Landsail and Delinte brands.

The ADPs, which are customised for each brand and intended to encourage dealers, will formally start on 1 June 2025. Both programmes give dealers access to special benefits, incentives and strong tools to help them expand their businesses. This involves dependable customer service, effective marketing and worthwhile financial incentives to promote dealers' success at every stage.

Beginning in Q3, dealers may earn up to USD three per tyre through the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program. Dealers can receive retroactive benefits for purchases completed in Q2 if they register before 1 June. The awards are available for all Delinte PTR, LTR and the new DV3 LMD AS last-mile delivery tyres. For all Landsail PTR and LTR tyres, independent dealers that sign up for the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program can also earn up to USD three per tyre. For customers who sign up by June 1, the new LMD 100 AS last-mile delivery is also eligible for the benefits and will get the same early bird incentive for Q2 2025.

No initial order is necessary. Dealers only need to register to begin making money. According to the monthly programme rewards structure, 48 tyre purchases each month are eligible for a reward of USD one per tyre, 120 tyres are eligible for a reward of USD two per tyre and 240 or more tyres are eligible for a reward of USD three per tyre.

ENSO, a London-based tyre manufacturer engaged in the production of sustainable tyres specially designed for electric vehicles (EVs), has launched its new ENSO Premium range of EV-specific ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres aimed at drivers of high-performance EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Specifically designed for electric passenger vehicles, the ENSO Premium range comes with A/A EU-label ratings for both energy efficiency and wet grip. The tyres are designed to provide safety, increased range and a reduced total cost of ownership. Conventional tyre designs frequently fall short of the special performance needs of electric vehicles, which include greater vehicle weight, regenerative braking and higher torque loads. By lowering tyre wear and rolling resistance, ENSO Premium takes care of these issues.

The company is an authorised provider of replacement tyres for LEVC's electric taxis and has partnered with Uber to install its tyres in high-mileage metropolitan areas. The company now plans to grow throughout Europe and North America, and with ENSO Premium, it is now offering its services to individual EV owners throughout the United Kingdom. According to ENSO, the range offers advantages including longer tyre life and fewer replacements, lower energy usage, fewer charging stops and lower CO₂ emissions and tyre particle pollution.

Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO and Co-Founder, ENSO, said, “We’re plugging a long-standing gap in the tyre market by offering EV drivers a purpose-built, affordable, premium EV tyre alternative that matches the innovation of their EV.”

Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has announced a general price hike in North America for its SBS, SIS and HSBC product lines with effect from 1 May 2025.

Following a careful analysis of the effects of recently implemented tariffs, related cost increases and a conclusion that the company cannot independently absorb these repercussions, Kraton is adopting these pricing hikes, according to a company statement. The company further said that it will keep an eye on the scene and reassess these measures promptly in the event that conditions and US import tariffs alter.