RFP 2025: Transforming Urban Mobility for a Sustainable Future

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Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) is seeking collaboration on projects under its CSR initiatives. This campaign invites innovative proposals that tackle urban mobility challenges through scalable, technology-enabled, or behavior-driven solutions. The aim is to support the creation of cleaner, more efficient, and accessible mobility across major Indian cities.

MBRDI: Overview & Key CSR Initiatives

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India bridges automotive technology with sustainable, socially responsible engineering, positioning itself as a leader in shaping the future of mobility. In line with this commitment, it integrates advanced technology and employee engagement into its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, aligning closely with the brand’s global sustainability vision: Ambition 2039, aimed at achieving net carbon neutrality across the entire value chain by 2039. Focused on three key pillars—Sustainable Mobility, Environmental Sustainability, and Need-Based Interventions—MBRDI is committed to creating equitable and lasting impact. Some of its most notable initiatives include MobileKids, a road safety education program for children; Sustainability Garage, which supports climate-tech and mobility startups; Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) Challenge, fostering data-driven solutions for integrated public transport; and Tech for Mobility, an AI-powered road safety project in collaboration with IIT Madras. 

Main Objective of the Campaign:

To support forward-thinking projects that foster sustainable mobility in urban areas, enhance commuter experience, reduce emissions, and encourage modal shifts away from private vehicles.

Who is the Target Audience/Who is it Relevant For?

This is relevant for NGOs and implementation organizations with experience in mobility innovation, urban planning, public transport systems, or community-driven transport behavior change.

NGOs/Private Training Organizations Eligible to Execute CSR Projects:

• Legally registered entities (NGOs or private organizations)

• Those with experience in urban or mobility-related project implementation

Key Outcomes/Takeaways:

• Demonstrated improvement in urban transport sustainability or efficiency

• Enable behavior change toward low-emission travel

• Reduction in congestion or emissions through practical innovation

• Support inclusive access to all populations

Selection Criteria / Process:

• Proven record of executing large-scale mobility or urban infrastructure programs

• Strong Theory of Change and Logical Framework

• Clear execution roadmap and M&E plan

• Risk mitigation and sustainability strategies

• Projects must exclude road safety, which is covered in separate programs

• Charity-driven approaches are discouraged; proposals must present a clear long-term value proposition.

• Proposals must be justified with strong need assessments and quantifiable KPIs.

• Proposals must include quantifiable impact indicators and use pre- and post-intervention assessments as a standard evaluation method.

Campaign Timelines:

Start Date: May 16, 2025

End Date: June 4, 2025

Target Sectors, Beneficiaries, and Areas of Intervention:

• Target Sector: Urban Sustainable Mobility

• Beneficiaries: General urban population with a focus on inclusivity

• Priority Aspects: Innovation, urban relevance, measurable behavior change

Target Geographies:

• Preferred Cities: Bengaluru, Pune

• Also Considered: Hyderabad, Delhi (but open to Pan India)
  
  

Project Timelines:

Duration: 18–24 months
Indicative Budget: ₹75 lakh to ₹1.5 crore

In case of any queries or clarifications please reach out to mbrdirfp@sattva.co.in