The annual Innovation Collective 2025 event transformed Mercedes-benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) offices in Bengaluru and Pune into vibrant centers of future-focused thinking and technological exploration. This three-day celebration of ingenuity showcased Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing boundaries in automotive research and development.
The event commenced with Dr. Aloknath De emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to innovation within Mercedes-Benz research initiatives. A panel discussion, expertly moderated by Balaji Sethuraman, delved into cutting-edge topics such as quantum computing, neuromorphic systems, and the latest breakthroughs in Gen AI. Esteemed panelists including Dr. Anil Prabhakar, Dr. Chetan Singh Thakur, Arjun Jain, and Parthiv Shah contributed insightful perspectives on these advanced research areas within Mercedes-Benz.
Raghuraman Ramamoorthy, along with the MBRDI leadership team including Prasanna Gonuguntla, Umang Dharmik, and Praveen Bhatt, further explored the dynamics of Mercedes-Benz research, highlighting how challenges, collaborative efforts, and transformative technologies fuel innovation. Dr. Hari Prasad Konka discussed the critical path from technological discovery to product implementation, focusing on the readiness of technology, manufacturing capabilities, and commercial viability within the context of Mercedes-Benz research and development. Dr. Karim Nili elaborated on the strategic role of Intellectual Property (IP) in empowering Mercedes-Benz innovators by providing essential tools and data for informed decision-making.
The intersection of engineering excellence, luxury vehicle design, and sustainable practices in enhancing customer experience was examined by Santosh Iyer, Vyankatesh Kulkarni, and Brendon Sissing. Furthermore, the Startup Autobahn India panel, featuring Naganand Doraswamy, Shweta Pandey, and Shashikant Adsul, and moderated by Dr. Anshuman Awasthi, emphasized the significance of ecosystem collaborations in driving Mercedes-Benz research forward. Leading startups such as QpiAI, Algoworks, Deevia Software, CY4, and Fabrik showcased their latest technological advancements, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of Mercedes-Benz research initiatives.
Inspiring insights were also shared by Manu Saale, Eileen Böhme, Marc Linkenbach, Dr. Torsten Eder, and Dr. Michael Hafner, adding further depth to the discussions around Mercedes-Benz research and future mobility solutions. The event also featured practical technology demonstrations, special recognition awards, and the mbrdiQ automotive innovation quiz, engaging participants in the spirit of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to research and development. Vignesh Prakash and Kishan Lal K were celebrated as winners, with Abhishek Nair and Suhas Shivayogi recognized as runners-up in the mbrdiQ quiz.
As attendees returned to their workplaces, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, ready to accelerate the engine of innovation within Mercedes-Benz research. The Innovation Collective 2025 underscored Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of automotive research, shaping the future of mobility through relentless innovation and collaborative exploration.
