Boeing’s BUILD 2024 crowns seven startup teams, awarding ₹1 million each to turn bold tech, defence, and sustainability ideas into real-world innovations.
Boeing has announced seven winning teams in the fourth edition of its Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) programme. This year saw a record number of submissions, with over 2000 entries received from more than 2,700 students and early-stage entrepreneurs across India.
The selected teams—Thrustworks Dynetics, Nexus Power, Extrive Innovations, Qualivon Technologies, Rapha Bionics, HyPrix Aviation, and Trishul Space—will each receive a grant of ₹1 million.
The funding is intended to support the development of ideas into viable solutions in sectors including aerospace, defence, sustainability, and technology.
The BUILD programme, launched by Boeing in 2019, partners with incubators nationwide to mentor selected participants. Current incubator partners include SINE at IIT Bombay, FITT at IIT Delhi, and others at IIT Madras, IIT Gandhinagar, IISC Bengaluru, T-Hub Hyderabad, and KIIT Bhubaneswar.
The 2024 edition saw 75 teams shortlisted after initial evaluation, with further mentorship provided through regional boot camps. Finalists received support from Boeing engineers, start-up mentors, and incubator partners.
Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, said, “Over the years, BUILD has evolved into a platform that reflects the aspirations of India’s burgeoning start-up ecosystem. By nurturing entrepreneurs and start-up talent, the programme is building a pipeline of innovators.”
Stacie Sire, Vice President and Managing Director of Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center, added, “BUILD is a space where ideas are shaped into solutions through mentorship and access to the Boeing knowledge pool.”
BUILD is one of several initiatives by Boeing India aimed at developing local talent and innovation. Other programmes include the HorizonX India Innovation Challenge and partnerships with IITs for competitions such as the National Aeromodelling Competition.