AI Car Pitched at Shark Tank India

K. C. Sabreena Basheer Last Updated : 06 Feb, 2024
3 min read

On a recent episode of Shark Tank India season 3, viewers witnessed the unveiling of a groundbreaking innovation: an AI car crafted in the humble confines of a backyard garage in Yavatmal, Maharashtra. Harshal Mahadev Nakshane is the visionary behind this pioneering project. He aims to revolutionize the automotive industry with his fusion of artificial intelligence and hydrogen technology. Despite the awe-inspiring demonstration, Nakshane’s dreams were met with a sobering reality as the Sharks declined to invest.

Also Read: Indian Self-Driving Car Beats Tesla to Claim Level 5 Autonomy

An Indian-made AI car was pitched at Shark Tank India.

The Genesis of AI Cars

Nakshane’s journey began in the quaint village of Yavatmal, where his childhood dream of owning a car evolved into a mission to transform the automotive landscape. Fuelled by passion and determination, Nakshane and his team embarked on an ambitious venture to create India’s first artificially intelligent hydrogen-based vehicle. Over 18 months of relentless dedication, they meticulously crafted a prototype model that defied conventional norms.

Also Read: zPod, India’s First AI-Driven Autonomous Vehicle

The Thrilling Test Drive

Judges Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, and Vineeta Singh joined Nakshane for a test drive. They were awed, witnessing firsthand the seamless integration of AI technology with automotive engineering. As the sleek AI car navigated the bustling streets with precision, excitement permeated the air. However, amidst the admiration, concerns lingered about the practicality of mass-producing such innovation in a market devoid of infrastructure.

Harshal Mahadev Nakshane's AI car | Shark Tank India

The Sharks’ Verdict

Despite the undeniable potential showcased by Nakshane, the Sharks hesitated to take the plunge. While acknowledging his sincerity and ambition, they cautioned against the formidable challenges that lay ahead. With India’s automotive landscape still evolving, the Sharks expressed reservations about the viability of Nakshane’s venture. Instead of investing in his dream, they urged him to explore employment opportunities within established automotive companies, where his talents could be leveraged to drive innovation on a larger scale.

Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

For Nakshane, the experience served as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of entrepreneurship. While the Sharks’ decision may have dashed his immediate hopes, it ignited a newfound determination to navigate the road ahead. Reflecting on the feedback received, Nakshane remains undeterred, viewing the setback as a stepping stone towards greater heights. As he charts his course forward, the echoes of Shark Tank India serve as a guiding beacon, reminding him to balance ambition with pragmatism.

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Our Say

In a landscape where innovation often meets skepticism, Harshal Mahadev Nakshane’s journey stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship. While the Sharks may have passed on his vision, the ripple effects of his innovation resonate far beyond the confines of a television screen. As Nakshane continues to defy convention and push the boundaries of possibility, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the saga of AI cars.

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Sabreena Basheer is an architect-turned-writer who's passioante about documenting anything that interests her. She's currently exploring the world of AI and Data Science as a Content Manager at Analytics Vidhya.

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