In 2012, WagonR Think Big Challenge Season 3 has attracted an astonishing 36,318 registrations nationwide. The challenge, said to be amongst the most sought-after initiatives that promote entrepreneurship in India, has grown in quality and projects, with a large variety of business plans as compared to the 2011 season. There were as many as 2,385 genuine business ideas out of the total applications received. Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern regions of the country accounted for 736, 563, 752 and 244 business ideas, respectively. From New Delhi, the contest received as many as 601 unique submissions.
Chief General Manager, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Manohar Bhatt, said, “The 3rd season of WagonR Think Big brings in more objectivity and greater focus towards the participants from specific target groups. The overwhelming response that we have received this year stands witness to the fact that India has a large pool of diverse talent which thrives on innovation and creative excellence. Maruti Suzuki through the WRTBC3 wants to tap this unutilized potential and propel it further to achieve progressive results.”
Amongst other distinct ideas received this year, one that stood out was 'iRecycle', which is a one-of-its-kind recycling initiative. Under this initiative, in exchange of recyclable goods, customers will be awarded reward points. There was another idea to provide a built-in breath analyser in car's ignition and acceleration system to keep a check on drunk driving. This will enable the car to start or stop and move at a very slow speed, in line with the alcohol level in the driver's blood.
In this season, the organiser has started the brand new ‘Young Turks’ category for students from as many as 120 business schools in 12 cities. In this particular category, the challenge received 5,767 registrations this season. There is a cash prize of Rs. 1 lac for the winner in this group, whereas a cash prize of Rs. 10 lacs and a Wagon R will be awarded to winner of the Mainline (General) category. The winner of Mainline category will also get the opportunity to get his/her ideas financed by a venture capitalist. The shortlisted business ideas will also benefit as the company will provide infrastructural and financial support during the initial phase.
