Michelin, a leading tyre manufacturer has announced the winners of the Michelin AI Challenge, which it states is the first AI challenge in the sector.

The initiative was launched in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Startup India, with an aim to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the Indian AI startup ecosystem while exposing them to global best practices.

The award ceremony took place at IIT Delhi, with the presence of special guests Petros Sourmelis, Minister-Counsellor, Delegation of EU to India and Bhutan; Marie Khater, Deputy Head of the Regional Economic Department for India and South Asia, Embassy of France; Dr. Ambica Rajagopal, Michelin Group's Chief Data and AI Officer, and Shantanu Deshpande, MD, Michelin India.

From the 10 startups presenting their ideas Kogo.ai, Prophecy, and Zangoh.ai were recognised for their innovative contributions, learning opportunities to co-build on strategic projects and receive mentorship. 

The startups were evaluated by a team of Michelin’s AI data scientists, business leaders, product managers and developers. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between Michelin and DPIIT, aimed at fostering sustained innovation and entrepreneurship, while creating an enabling environment for startups to thrive.

Dr. Ambica Rajagopal said " The Michelin AI Startup Challenge is designed to identify and support innovative startups to build solutions using AI agents, LLMs, computer vision, and robotics to enhance manufacturing, product quality, road and pedestrian safety, and how to use AI in a responsible, explainable and ethical way. By leveraging LLMs and generative AI, we are not just automating workflows but enabling intelligent agents to discover optimal paths of action through complex choices. These AI systems are now able to generate insights from distributed knowledge, linking structured and unstructured data to build deeper models of customer behaviour. The potential to unlock creativity and innovation has never been greater.”

Shantanu Deshpande said, “At Michelin, our commitment to India is reflected in our decision to establish our AI headquarters in Pune and in our continued partnership with the government through initiatives like the MoU signed with DPIIT. We believe in the power of collaboration, where our global expertise and mentorship, combined with the government's scale and vision, create a win-win scenario. We sincerely extend our gratitude to DPIIT for their invaluable support in making this challenge a success."

Petros Sourmelis stated, “The AI Challenge is a novel initiative of Michelin that aims to expand Data and AI capabilities and bring innovation to the forefront. That it has received more than 200 applications from startups across the country speaks volumes about the interest this program and its themes have generated. I hope this will give a huge spur to industry linked innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.”

Marie Khater said; “The work and activities engaged by Michelin in India embodies the profound and concrete partnership that our two countries have on digital technologies. Not only is Michelin an industrial group, one of the leaders in tyre manufacturing but the company is deeply engaged in innovation and R&D, particularly in the digital space. I am really looking forward to seeing how we can build on existing initiatives from French and Indian companies like this one to find synergies and strengthen our bilateral ties on innovation, notably in the perspective of the Indo-French year of innovation in 2026.”

The Michelin AI Challenge, was a 12-week-long initiative and undertaken in multiple stages which included, outreach, applications, shortlisting and mentorship until September 2024, followed by the grand finale featuring the shortlisted startups.

The challenge saw over 106 startups applying from all over the country; around 60 percent startups from tier 1 cities and tier 2 cities applied, showcasing diverse and innovative AI solutions.

The top ten AI innovators from the AI Startup Challenge presented their projects at the demo day at IIT Delhi. The three winning teams were awarded paid pilot projects from Michelin, with funding of up to INR 500,000 each. Furthermore, these winners will gain access to global contracts and incubation support from Michelin leadership.

DPIIT has been proactively working towards mobilising startups in the manufacturing space, and to provide them with early-stage support necessary for their growth. It is building an initiative to bridge the gap between industry and startups, by supporting with setting-up of incubators and incubation programs led by the industry. The initiative aims to empower manufacturing startups with innovative technologies and sustainable practices, enabling them to become leaders in the global market through incubation supported by the industry.

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Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA), a Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. subsidiary, has appointed Robert Liu as Assistant Vice President of Product Management. Liu brings more than three decades of varied experience in the tyre and automotive sectors to guide the Dunlop and Falken brands through their next stage of product innovation and expansion.

Liu started his career as a simulation engineer at General Motors before spending 27 years at Continental Tire, where he held positions in Product R&D, Sales and Product Management. He also completed a five-year expatriate assignment in Shanghai, leading Product Management and R&D for Asia-Pacific, and most recently directed R&D for the American region with a focus on replacement Passenger Light Truck tyres. In his new role, Liu will lead product development, overseeing PLT and Truck & Bus Radial products with a skilled Product Management team.

Ken Hsu, Vice President – Marketing, DTNA, said, “We are excited to welcome Robert to our team. His extensive experience and proven leadership in the tyre industry align perfectly with our goals for innovation and growth. We believe his insights will greatly benefit our product strategies as we move forward.”

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Portugal’s retreading industry is caught between its established technical capabilities and a market increasingly shaped by low-cost new tyres, regulatory shifts and price-driven purchasing. Associaçao de Recauchutagem de Pneus (ARP) President David Laureano speaks to Tyre Trends about the necessary changes, current state of the industry and how to rebuild confidence and create conditions for investment.

Are policy changes necessary to create a level playing field for retreaders?

I consider policy changes a priority for boosting Portugal’s retreading sector and plan work on four fronts. The first is to review the environmental and economic treatment of retreading so that charges and incentives acknowledge the extension of tyre service life.

The second is to strengthen enforcement of compliance obligations for all operators placing tyres on the market. The third is to introduce criteria regarding lifecycle costs, performance and circularity in public procurement, enabling the participation of technically suitable retreaded solutions.

The last is to facilitate company access to instruments for industrial modernisation, energy efficiency, training and innovation. These measures should be developed in collaboration with public entities and other sector stakeholders. Policy quality improves when those who manufacture, use and manage tyres participate in their formulation.

What are the ARP’s priorities under your leadership?

My priority is to strengthen a unified voice for the sector while respecting the diversity of the companies that comprise it. Building trust among users by demonstrating the quality of domestic retreaders. I want to contribute to an association that stays close to its members and is capable of gathering reliable data, fostering knowledge sharing and presenting well-founded proposals to public authorities.

I also view it as essential to bring the fleet industry, educational institutions and technology partners closer together. We can collaborate on training, research and the dissemination of best practices, thereby strengthening the sector’s collective capacity. The change I would like to see in the market is a more informed purchasing decision, one that recognises tyre performance and the value of extending its service life.

What role can retreading play in reducing raw material consumption and waste?

Retreading preserves a significant portion of the tyre structure by utilising a technically sound casing and enables a new cycle of use. This reduces the need for materials required to manufacture an entirely new structure and postpones the casing’s end-of-life.

Realising this potential requires effective management across the entire value chain including initial selection, maintenance, timely tyre removal and casing inspection. Benefits must be measured rigorously. Savings depend on the tyre type, process and usage conditions; therefore, we must communicate substantiated results rather than applying a single percentage figure to every situation.

What hinders greater acceptance by fleets and consumers?

Doubts regarding quality and safety persist, alongside insufficient information about the industrial process. The perception of poor quality was already among the obstacles identified in the sector characterisation study conducted by Valorpneu in 2019. Trust is built through transparency that requires explaining casing selection, production controls, traceability and the tyre’s suitability for its intended use.

There are specific United Nations regulations for retreading, namely Regulations No. 108 and No. 109. Under these regulations, all operators are required to conduct tests on the tyres they produce, and the tests are identical to those performed on new tyres. The sector also needs to make results more visible through fleet monitoring and comparable usage data.

We cannot focus solely on sales as after-sales service is crucial for building trust and ensuring continuity with the end customer, whether they are transport companies or private individuals.

How can retreading be better integrated into circular economy and sustainability policies?

Retreading should be considered right from the initial tyre selection. This entails prioritising casings designed for extended use, ensuring proper maintenance and establishing systems to evaluate their utilisation. Valorpneu specifically identifies extending service life, the potential for reconstruction and the segregation of tyres with retreading potential as preventive measures.

We would like to see this logic translated into specific objectives and indicators such as how many casings are utilised, how many usage cycles are achieved and how much resources are preserved. These results would help guide incentives and purchasing decisions.

What is the current state of the tyre retreading industry in Portugal?

Portugal possesses a retreading industry with experience, technical expertise and close ties to its customers. Its presence is particularly significant in the heavy-vehicle tyre market. However, it is a sector that needs to strengthen its position.

Commercial pressure challenges companies to demonstrate the product’s value over its lifespan, particularly in a market where the purchase price is a decisive factor. Our ambition is to unite the sector to transform existing industrial capacity into a stronger market presence driven by quality, information and constructive institutional representation.

What is the impact of low-cost imported tyres on retreaders?

Pressure from low-cost tyres is a key concern, one that has also been highlighted in ARP’s public communications. When the decision focuses solely on the initial price, it becomes harder to highlight the value of durability, technical support and the potential to reuse the casing for further service cycles.

Geographic origin alone does not determine a tyre’s quality. We advocate for competition based on verifiable criteria regarding safety, performance, compliance with environmental obligations and lifecycle costs. There is also the issue of continuity as retreading relies on the availability of suitable casings. Therefore, the choice of a new tyre should also take into account its retreadability potential.

Which segments show the highest demand?

Heavy vehicles form the sector’s core base. Road freight transport is therefore a central market, and we see opportunities to strengthen our presence among passenger transport and service fleets, tailored to the specific demands of each operation. There are also specialised applications.

Retreading data for 2024 covers commercial, agricultural, industrial and civil engineering tyres, among other categories. While these figures characterise the activity, they should not be confused with domestic market demand shares. Our goal is to work with each segment to identify where retreading offers a technically sound and economically advantageous solution.

How do regulatory uncertainty and capacity expansion affect investment?

An industrial facility invests with a multi-year horizon. Equipment, training and process improvements require confidence in future operating conditions. When rules or charges change, projects tend to be re-evaluated, complicating investment and expansion decisions.

A concrete example of a shift in the economic landscape is the Ecovalor (environmental fee). In 2025, the Valorpneu schedule indicated a zero Ecovalor for domestically retreaded tyres placed on the market. In 2026, it introduced a specific schedule with a 10 percent bonus, and for the heavy-duty category, the indicated rate is EUR 8.07 per tyre, plus VAT.

We believe that changes of this nature must be accompanied by dialogue with the sector, an assessment of their impact and predictability. Companies need to understand how their environmental contribution will be valued before committing to new investments.

How important is the total cost of ownership regarding demand?

It is fundamental. For a fleet, the purchase price is just one part of the equation. The assessment must include mileage, fuel consumption, maintenance, downtime and casing utilisation. Comparisons must be made under similar conditions regarding load, route, axle position and usage.

Retreading must demonstrate its value in this context through concrete results. I would like to see more long-term relationships between fleets and retreaders with records that allow for tracking cost-per-kilometre and improving decision-making over time. This benefits both parties.

Should retreading be recognised as a strategic industrial and environmental activity?

Yes. That is the vision I want to help affirm. It is an activity that brings together industrial production, technical expertise, transport services and resource preservation. This recognition must be reflected in industrial policies, investment instruments and purchasing decisions.

It must also be accompanied by the sector’s own commitment to quality, innovation and demonstrating its results. ARP aims to contribute to this effort alongside companies, fleets and public entities. We share a common interest in maintaining an industry capable of generating value in Portugal and making better use of the resources on which we all depend.

What is the outlook for the next three to five years?

I see growth potential, but that growth will depend on the conditions we are able to create. Increased fleet focus on operating costs, the need for efficient resource utilisation and industrial modernisation could create opportunities. To capitalise on them, we need suitable casings, customer trust and economic stability.

I would not venture a specific growth rate without a sufficiently solid statistical basis. Ambition must translate into concrete objectives by winning over users, increasing casing utilisation and strengthening corporate competitiveness.

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India’s tyre recycling industry discussed regulation, technology and material recovery at RE-GO 2026, a three-day conclave held in South Goa from 10 to 12 September. Organised by the Tyre & Rubber Recyclers Association of India (TRRAI), the event brought together more than 250 delegates, representatives from more than 200 companies and participants from more than 20 states.

The third annual conclave, hosted at Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia, included more than 20 speakers and experts, three panel discussions and more than 20 exhibitors and sponsors. The conference programme ran on 10 and 11 September , followed by a departure programme on September 12.

Regulation and technology dominate discussions

Held under the theme of policy, compliance and circularity, the conclave brought together recyclers, technology providers, tyre industry representatives, policymakers, regulators, standards professionals, consultants and business leaders.

Discussions covered regulation and standards, extended producer responsibility (EPR), traceability, automation, environmental performance, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, material recovery and circularity.

The technical programme examined automated pyrolysis, co-processing, national standards for tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) and recovered carbon black (rCB), fleet management, EPR policy and compliance, and the Common EPR Portal. Other topics included life-cycle assessment (LCA), greenhouse gas emissions accounting, digital transformation and technical innovation.

Industry and regulatory representatives attend opening session

The inaugural session featured Satish Goyal, President of TRRAI, and Jairaj Zarekar, its Secretary. Other participants included Anand Kumar, Former Director and Scientist ‘F’ at the Central Pollution Control Board; H. M. Meena, Scientist ‘D’ and Joint Director at the Bureau of Indian Standards; and Sanjeev Sharma, Senior Vice-President And Business Head For Mobility Solutions And Fleet Management at JK Tyre & Industries.

Arup Kumar Misra, Chairman of the Assam Pollution Control Board, was the chief guest and delivered the keynote address, “Tyre Recycling: From Liability to Asset”. The address focused on turning end-of-life tyres into recoverable resources and sources of economic value.

Three panels examine the sector’s priorities

The conclave featured three high-level panel discussions on sustainable recycling policy, recycling technology and the development of a circular tyre economy.

The first examined policy, standards, EPR, compliance and sustainable development. The second focused on shredding, granulation, automation and continuous pyrolysis. The third considered how collection, technology, markets and manufacturing could be connected to support a circular tyre economy.

The panels were moderated by Tushar Suhalka, Varun Manjunath and Jayant Vaidya, respectively.

The event also included an exhibition featuring more than 20 exhibitors and sponsors, networking sessions and an awards and recognition ceremony.

TRRAI highlights collaboration and standards

TRRAI said it had more than 500 members, representing approximately 75 percent of the tyre recycling market. The association works on standardisation, professionalisation, technical advancement, regulatory dialogue and collaboration across the sector.

The conclave highlighted the role of co-operation among industry participants, government bodies, regulators, standards organisations, technology providers and technical experts. Its discussions reflected a focus on stronger standards, improved traceability, environmental accountability, digitalisation and circularity.

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Metso has named Renaud Lapointe as President of its Aggregates business area and a member of the Metso Leadership Team, with the appointment taking effect on 15 November 2026. He takes over from Markku Simula, whose departure from the company was announced on 11 August 2026.

Lapointe has been with Metso since 2005 and has served as President of the Europe and Central Asia market area since December 2024. Before that, he led the Metso Products business line within the Aggregates business area from 2018 to 2024, and between 2014 and 2017 he was Vice President of the Crusher Systems business line in the same segment. Earlier in his tenure, from 2005 to 2014, he held several leadership positions at Metso in France. Lapointe holds a degree in mechanical engineering from ISTIL in Lyon, France.

Lapointe said, "I am excited to return to the Aggregates business and lead such a highly respected global organisation. With its strong customer relationships, industry-leading solutions and talented team, the business is well positioned for continued success and growth.”

Sami Takaluoma, President and CEO, Metso, said, “Renaud brings experience from both our Aggregates business and our market area organisation. This combination will support the continued development of our offering and close cooperation with customers. I look forward to welcoming him to the Metso Leadership Team.”

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