10 September 2025

From Global Startup Awards to global impact: Grab partners with WeRide on autonomous mobility

Autonomous driving technology leader WeRide has announced a strategic equity investment from Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp. This solidifies a partnership to accelerate the deployment of Level 4 Robotaxis and autonomous shuttles across the region.

The collaboration aims to integrate WeRide’s self-driving vehicles into Grab’s ride-hailing network to enhance service availability and safety. The investment is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026.

Building a scalable autonomous framework

The partnership will focus on creating a scalable framework for autonomous vehicles. Key areas of collaboration include:

  • Optimizing dispatch and routing systems within Grab’s app.
  • Developing robust safety and remote support protocols.
  • Establishing maintenance and charging procedures to maximize efficiency.

From award-winning startup to strategic partner

Grab’s involvement is a significant endorsement. The company is a celebrated success story in the startup community, having risen from a startup competition winner to a global unicorn. It was previously recognized as a national and global winner for “Startup of the Year” at the Global Startup Awards, cementing its status as an award-winning startup driving positive change.

This move builds on a memorandum of understanding signed by both companies in March 2025.

About Global Startup Awards

The GSA discovers and empowers high-growth and innovative entrepreneurs and their startups through global competitions, events, collaboration, and community.

🔗 Read more here.