Volvo Group is known for developing innovative transportation solutions. In line with it, the company launches its 2nd CampX in the world in Bengaluru, Karnataka. With this, Volvo Group India widens its net to partner entrepreneurs, start-ups and academic institutions besides experts from across India to offer the Indian subcontinent sustainable solutions in the transportation sector. Sarada Vishnubhatla reports.
Disruption is essentially bringing about a change in the mindset. Only then any entity – be it an industry or an individual – can come up with sustainable, environmental-friendly products and trends. CampX by Volvo Group epitomizes this for the automotive and transportation industry worldwide.
Launching 2nd such initiative after Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo Group India draws attention to their work in developing sustainable transportation solutions with CampX Bengaluru. Bringing into its fold individuals, start-ups and subject experts alike, CampX aims to collaborate with them in automation, connectivity and electro mobility domains.
Kamal Bali – President and Managing Director – Volvo Group, India shared at the launch: “The idea is to work together instead of in siloes. For CampX to succeed in breaking barriers, the entire GTT workforce is available to work through ideas, and challenges and lend expertise. We are proud of the fact that CampX Bengaluru is a testament to the innovative mindset of our team in India.”
Swedish Ambassador to India, H.E. Klas Molin, unveiled CampX Bengaluru while bringing attention to the thriving relations between Sweden and Indian. He also highlighted the joint action plan between the respective Prime Ministers to work on sustainable transportation, and smart cities among others.
Addressing the gathering, he said: “The innovation partnership offers a conducive environment for co-creating and co-developing solutions for a sustainable future. CampX clearly communicates that the doors are open for new ideas. It gives developers, engineers, and inventors a chance to test their ideas in a safe but controlled environment. And the results can be mutually beneficial.”
A Success Marker
India, especially Bengaluru, boasts of a rich start-up ecosystem. And in collaboration with them, CampX aims to work on 3 major aspects – to make future ‘100% fossil-free, safe and more productive’ than it is today; by 2030, to help lower carbon emissions by 40% per vehicle kilometer for trucks and buses, 30% for construction equipment and by 2034, lowering 38% for drivelines; and, achieve SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) to enable emission reduction targets by 2040 where Volvo Group is aiming for net zero emissions.
Bali recounted the strengths of the company in India: “We have grown in maturity and in competency for the Volvo Group globally. We are also the global hub for road contractors, as well as for testing and development of electronic platforms. But more needs to be done. Future demands healthy collaboration between stakeholders across domains.”
And CampX is born to accelerate innovation!
Establishing Synergies
Citing today’s times as the best time to be an engineer, C R Vishwanath – Vice President, Volvo Group Truck Technology, India is proud of their team’s capabilities in conceptualizing, designing, and developing test concepts – be they prototypes, or functions.
With collaboration as one of the key characteristics, CampX in India will extend its arm to Asia as well. Globally, mobility is poised to undergo a paradigm shift in the next decade or so, and the end applications would change the way mobility will be.
Dr. Sudeendra Koushik – Innovation Director and Head – CampX, Bengaluru, India explained the working of the collaboration: “We use global concepts that will include 3 steps – to explore possible synergies; next comes the validation phase where we look for proof of value in the proposition to help business grow; and these culminating in action.”
CampX aims to attract start-ups in tier-2 and -3 cities of the country so that pertinent transportation challenges will be addressed.
Koushik elaborated: “Universities in tier-2 and -3 cities are potential powerhouses. We will address the challenge of engaging with many of them across India by organizing a series of events. We also have an understanding with a few universities for recruitment, internship, placement and training.”
Bali added: “We believe annual events will attract and help us connect with more innovators, and people working in the field of sustainability. We are planning to extend it to multiple start-ups across the country, and even outside India. That is the whole idea of CampX.”
The start-ups can collaborate with CampX via different models – by either financial investment or sharing IPs.
Working as one seamless global team on all products and projects besides new transport concepts – be it platooning, alternate fuels, or EVs for example – Volvo Group is all inclusive when it comes to the future of mobility.
And CampX is all about innovation in the global arena of sustainable transportation solutions!
—
“The idea is to work together instead of in siloes. For CampX to succeed in breaking barriers, the entire GTT workforce is available to work through ideas, and challenges and lend expertise. We are proud of the fact that CampX Bengaluru is a testament to the innovative mindset of our team in India.
– Kamal Bali, President and MD, Volvo Group, India
—
“In the last three years, we have applied for about 50 patents, which were developed here. We have been working hard to deliver solutions for both global and local challenges. We are working towards value-added products and services. And it is time for us to step up to the next stage of innovation, and create more value by partnering with external stakeholders to accelerate innovation. Collaborating partners will have access to our laboratory, testing and factory facilities to develop products faster.
– C R Vishwanath, Vice President, Volvo Group Truck Technology, India