Walking into the Maruti Suzuki Innovation Gym didn’t feel like entering a corporate space. Instead, it felt like stepping into a live laboratory of ideas, filled with curiosity, energy, and the anticipation of creating something meaningful.

Unlike traditional classrooms, where learning is often theoretical, this environment encouraged ideas to move, evolve, and take shape in real time. From the outset, it was clear that this was a space built not just for thinking, but for doing.

What stood out immediately was the intentional design for collaboration and experimentation. Hierarchy took a back seat, and ideas led the way, a shift that felt both refreshing and empowering.

Learning in action: Experiencing Innovation first hand

A key theme throughout the day was “learning in action.” This wasn’t just a phrase, it defined the entire experience.

During an insightful session by Kanav Rikhi, we explored how innovation actually functions within a large organisation. One concept that stood out was open innovation, where companies collaborate with startups and entrepreneurs instead of building everything internally.

This approach offered a new perspective. It highlighted how innovation is not always rapid and disruptive, as often portrayed, but instead structured, collaborative, and iterative. Seeing how ideas progress from concept to execution, and how multiple stakeholders contribute, was genuinely eye opening.

Innovation at scale: A different perspective

One of the biggest takeaways from the visit was understanding how innovation operates at scale.

While startups are known for speed and risk taking, organisations like Maruti Suzuki must take a broader, more strategic approach. Innovation here is not just about creating something new, it is about ensuring it aligns with global strategies, works across diverse markets, and can be implemented effectively at scale.

Discussions around electric vehicle transitions, global expansion, and customer centric solutions reinforced the idea that innovation at this level requires both creativity and discipline.

The pitching experience: From ideas to execution

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the live pitching challenge.

We were divided into teams and given real world problem statements. My group focused on how Maruti Suzuki could increase its women customer base while creating a more inclusive, end to end customer experience.

After intensive brainstorming, we developed “HerDrive”, an app based solution designed to support women throughout their journey, from car discovery to post sales engagement.

Presenting our idea to industry professionals like Rohan Chhatwal, Raghav Arora, and Prabhav Agarwal was both exciting and challenging. The experience brought a new level of pressure, this wasn’t about grades, but real world relevance.

The feedback pushed us to think critically about feasibility, scalability, and user behaviour. It reinforced an important lesson that having a strong idea is only the beginning, communicating it effectively and defending it logically is just as crucial.

A special thanks to Reyansh Srivastava, whose guidance played a key role in shaping our approach and refining our thinking.

Key takeaways from the Innovation Gym experience

This experience offered several valuable insights:

• Innovation thrives on collaboration, not isolation
• The best ideas are shaped through feedback and iteration
• Real world problem solving goes beyond textbook frameworks
• Growth happens when you step into unfamiliar, high pressure environments

How the experience changed my perspective

Visiting the Maruti Suzuki Innovation Gym significantly shifted my perspective on learning and career possibilities.

It deepened my interest in innovation, startups, and the intersection of business and technology. More importantly, it made the professional world feel more accessible.

Engaging with industry experts and observing how ideas are evaluated provided a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in such environments. It also sparked my interest in exploring opportunities within the Innovation Gym, particularly programs that enable startups and young innovators to collaborate with Maruti Suzuki.

Closing thoughts: Redefining learning

The day ended with informal networking, conversations over snacks, and a sense of fulfilment that traditional classrooms rarely offer.

Looking back, this was more than just a visit, it was an immersive experience that encouraged us to think, act, and present like professionals.

If there’s one takeaway that stands above the rest, it’s this:

This is what learning should feel like.

Author: Rishabh Kaushik, MSc International Management

Date: Monday 20 March 2026

This article reflects the thoughts, opinions and experiences of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official view of University of Southampton Delhi. You should confirm and check factual information presented in this article before making decisions based on its content.