Breakthrough bid! Tata Motors launches TACNet 2.0; what it is and how it will benefit start-ups

With the aim to steer innovation through collaboration, Tata Motors on Wednesday formally announced the launch of Tata Motors AutoMobility Collaboration Network 2.0 (TACNet 2.0). As per Tata Motors, TACNet 2.0 is a platform that will help develop a centre of AutoMobility innovation through partnerships for new technologies and/or business models. 

"It will also allow Tata Motors to engage with start-ups and technology companies to easily connect with them, spark innovative solutions in the automotive technologies and mobility ecosystem and explore synergies," Tata Motors said in a statement.

TACNet 2.0: What it is?

As per an official statement released by Tata, TACNet is a platform for connecting aspiring start-ups with Tata Motors to solve existing and anticipated challenges in the cargo and people mobility. The themes for TACNet 2.0 are centered on areas that are of immediate interest to Tata Motors.

TACNet 2.0: What's the objective behind it?

The company is looking for directly applicable solutions for block chain in automotive, parking marketplace, NLP native chatbot, demand prediction algorithm, real time monitoring of fuel quality (BSVI) and authenticating genuine spare parts.

TACNet 2.0: What interested applicants can do?

Interested applicants can apply by filling out the application form on the company’s web page - tacnet.tatamotors.com. Last date for entries will be September 29, 2019. This program will commence by inviting aspiring start-ups to make their business pitch and this will then culminate into strategic partnership with an opportunity to even pilot a project. 

According to Shailesh Chandra, President – Electric Mobility Business & Corporate Strategy,
Tata Motors Ltd., “The automotive industry is undergoing a rigorous transformation phase with new and advanced technologies in manufacturing, digitization solutions to optimize the operations and supply chain, innovative and advanced product technologies and disruptive business/service models for engaging the customer and other related stakeholders."

Chandra added, "Today, almost every segment of the automotive value-chain is required to drive its own innovation story. As a leading Indian automotive brand, we need to constantly keep innovating for better serving the market, our customers and the categories we cater to. In the current age of uncertainty and speed of change, the above effort of sourcing solutions will need to be driven both through in-house initiatives as well as collaborating with external partners. TACNet will enable the outside world in connecting with us for such innovation and collaboration opportunities. We are looking forward to unlocking the potential of India’s finest startups and technology and solution-based companies.”