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.

Apollo Tyres Ltd has secured a one-season shirt-sleeve sponsorship agreement with AS Monaco, one of French football's most successful clubs, to increase awareness for its premium Vredestein brand.

This partnership will leverage Ligue 1's ranking as the fifth most watched football league in the world to raise awareness of Vredestein's award-winning products among a large audience in France and abroad. On November 22, AS Monaco's home league game against Brest will have the new sleeve branding for the first time. The Vredestein brand will be heavily promoted at Stade Louis-II for the 2024–2025 season, including on player sleeves and LED screens around the field. Exclusive social media initiatives will further help make the brand prominent, reaching a large and interested audience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President – Commercial, Europe, Apollo Tyres, said, “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Vredestein’s presence in one of our key markets. AS Monaco’s rich history and commitment to excellence mirror our focus on performance and innovation. We look forward to building a successful relationship with the club and celebrating its achievements this season.”

Thibaut Chatelard, Marketing and Revenue Director, AS Monaco, said: “We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres and its Vredestein brand to the family of AS Monaco partners. This collaboration makes sense in view of the values we share, such as the constant pursuit of performance and excellence. There’s no doubt that this new support will be precious for the rest of our season, which promises to be thrilling.”

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has launched the Nexen N´Blue S tyre, adding to its range of summer tyres and providing drivers with advanced safety, energy efficiency and superior driving stability in wet and dry conditions.

Developed using highly dispersed silica and equipped with an optimised structural design, the Nexen N´Blue S tyre provides reduced road noise and improved driving stability. The tyre features an innovative tread compound, formulated with hydrophilic fillers and microstructure-controlled polymers, and provides lower rolling resistance and exceptional dry and wet grip. The tyre also excelled in test results by demonstrating an 11 percent improvement in wet braking distance compared to its predecessor.

Apart from providing excellent performance, the Nexen  N´Blue S also scores high on the sustainability index. The tyre provides an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious drivers by minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Nexen N´Blue S summer tyre is available in 58 sizes, which makes it compatible with different types of vehicles.

Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. is all set to expand its investment project in Binh Duong province of Vietnam, with the phase 3 of expansion commencing in early 2025. This was discussed at a recent meeting between Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and Kim Hyun Ho, General Director of Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The meeting was held on 13 November at the Administrative Centre of Binh Duong province, as per an official statement. Apart from the company’s investment till date and the planned investment for phase 3, the two also discussed about the challenges and obstacles regarding procedures and processes to have more land funds to expand the manufacturing plant, along with taking measures to tackle the obstacles. Kim Hyun Ho also conveyed to the PPC Chairman that Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. belongs to South Korea's Kumho Tire Group and is currently ranked 10th in the car tyre manufacturing industry.

The company had invested in a tyre manufacturing plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park in 2007 with a total initial investment of USD 308 million, which was supplemented by another USD 300 million in 2021. This extended the factory scale to six hectares and increased the production capacity to 12.5 million tyres annually. With the expansion in early 2025, the company will raise its total investment to USD 908 million and increase the factory's production capacity to 17 million tyres annually. The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by early 2026.

Yokohama-ATG, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain and off-the-road tyres, has expanded its Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range of forklift tyres with the launch of white, non-marking tyres.

The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range consists of puncture-proof SDS tyres with extended wear limits designed for high-intensity working shifts and long durability. These are premium, solid rubber tyres developed for tough demands, a long service life and high driving comfort. The addition of white, non-marking tyres is specifically aimed at clean working environments.

Marked by a 3-stage construction process, the forklift tyres feature reduced heat build-up, effective shock absorption and minimised vibrations. The pattern design guarantees a smooth ride and good steerability thanks to its continuous centre lug and circumferential grooves. Furthermore, the flat walls and wide flat profile offer excellent stability when using a forklift for vertical stacking. The tyres are also equipped with anti-slip steel beads for improved rim fitment

In a case study on a CAT 2.5-tonne forklift that was used for handling heavy pallets on asphalt, the Galaxy MFS 101 SDS outshone the competitors with impressive performance. The tyre delivered an approximate 900 working hours before replacement against competitors’ 500 working hours.