Maruti to fund new business ideas with ‘Think Big Challenge'

To enable young entrepreneurs convert their ideas into a viable business, Maruti Suzuki has announced the continuation of the ‘WagonR Think Big Challenge' into its third edition. The initiative would provide funding to the winner – Rs 10 lakh from the general category and Rs 1 lakh for college student, apart from an opportunity to get the idea funded by venture capitalists. The last season saw a response from over 45,000 registrations, the car-maker said. Mr Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki said, “This year we expect to see more participation. To encourage entrepreneurship among college students we have specifically added a new category this year.” The initial round of registrations for the general category started on April 11 through the net and 160 company dealerships across 19 cities. Registrations for college students begin in the last week of April. Business ideas from students of around 120 colleges from 12 cities will be invited.