ABB India, in partnership with Microsoft and SynerLeap, announced Cloudworx as the winner of the ABB Startup Challenge India 2025. The Bengaluru-based startup stood out for its AI-powered 3D visualization technology, which aims to transform how industries adopt ABB’s drives and improve energy efficiency across operations. As part of the collaboration, ABB experts will work directly with Cloudworx to co-develop a market-ready solution, with the potential to launch it globally for ABB’s customers and partners.
Transforming Drive Technology with Real-Time Intelligence
Cloudworx’s winning solution leverages AI-driven digital replicas of business processes to enable real-time monitoring, simulation, and continuous improvement. This innovation simplifies motor and drive selection, while also streamlining commissioning and maintenance through data-driven intelligence.
The startup received a $30,000 project award, along with mentorship from Microsoft and ABB’s startup accelerator SynerLeap. Additionally, Cloudworx will benefit from a six-month SynerLeap membership, providing access to global advisors and industrial experts.
Fostering Innovation in Smart Drive Technology
Under the theme “Advancing Smart Drive Technology with AI Innovation,” the challenge invited startups to use AI to analyze drive data and help OEMs identify the best ABB motor-drive combinations for their needs.
“At ABB India, we see startups as vital partners in shaping the future of industrial technology,” said A.R. Madhusudan, President and Local Division Manager, Drive Products, ABB India. “With India’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape and growing focus on energy efficiency, enabling seamless adoption of drives is more important than ever. The quality of applications and the insightful pitches truly highlighted the strength of India’s startup ecosystem.”
Encouraging Collaboration and Global Impact
The ABB Startup Challenge India 2025, hosted for the first time in India, drew over 100 applications. From this pool, seven finalists pitched their innovative ideas during the final round in Bengaluru. The challenge, now in its sixth year, has previously been held across Europe and the United States, fostering a growing network of global innovation partners.
Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration
The competition coincides with ABB’s milestone of 50 years of global leadership in low-voltage (LV) drives and 20 years of production excellence in India. This year’s challenge reinforces ABB’s commitment to open innovation, sustainability, and the development of scalable, local solutions with global relevance. According to the press release, ABB supports visionary startups like Cloudworx to advance smart, energy-efficient industrial solutions.
