Long queues, disorganised space, congestion; parking in India is often really chaotic. Recognising this issue, Dhananjaya Bharadwaj from ParkMate shares everything about their advanced, entirely ‘Made-in-India’ automated solution with EFY’s Nitisha Dubey.
Q. Can you share an overview of ParkMate and the solutions it provides?
A. At ParkMate, our mission is to solve the everyday challenges of urban parking through automation and innovation. We serve enterprises, smart cities, and the general public with customised solutions. For our enterprise clients—like mall owners, municipalities, and real estate developers—we replace outdated, manually operated parking systems with our fully automated solution. It is all powered by Internet of Things (IoT) devices and our advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platform, the Trident System, which streamlines operations and enhances efficiency. For the public, we have made parking smart and completely hassle-free. Through our mobile app, users enter their destination and drive there as usual, no need to search for parking. One of our attendants meets them at the destination, takes the vehicle, and parks it in a nearby authorised facility. When they are ready to leave, a simple tap on ‘Get My Car’ in the app brings their vehicle back to them.
Q. How does ParkMate’s Trident System deliver a fully automated parking experience?
A. Trident System uses AI-powered cameras and sensors to manage parking entry, exit, license plate recognition, and payments—all integrated with the electronic toll collection system (FASTag) technology. We have also developed our own radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems and AI-enabled surveillance tools, combining them with fully integrated software and hardware to deliver the experience. In our smart city projects and commercial sites, beyond technology; we offer complete ownership and modernisation of the parking operations. We also invest in and upgrade existing infrastructure, ensuring everything runs efficiently and meets modern standards.
Q. What electronic and hardware components are involved in ParkMate’s parking systems, and how do they interact to enable features like image processing and access control?
A. ParkMate’s parking systems consist of several key hardware components, including RFID readers, a variety of boom barriers, and AI-enabled automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras typically come with an inbuilt controller, often a Jetson Nano, which processes the captured images to extract data. This data can be used for facial recognition, licence plate identification, and detecting unusual activities like fence jumping or other anomalies. The system comprises the boom barrier, RFID reader, static controller, and a control box, also known as the local processing unit (LPU), which serves as the system’s central processing unit. The AI cameras are essential for image processing and analytics.
Q. Are your devices modular or upgradable for future technologies, such as 5G or AI processors?
A. Yes, ParkMate’s systems are designed with full modularity in mind. Users can choose which components to deploy based on their specific needs. The system can function solely with an RFID reader, solely with a camera, or even be operated manually or remotely if neither is preferred. In terms of future technologies, such as enhanced AI processing, the systems are already compatible with modern connectivity options, including in-house internet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 5G. For clients concerned about data privacy, systems can also be configured to run on a local server, keeping all data on-premises rather than in the cloud.
Q. How do your sensors and hardware systems ensure durability, longevity, and reliable performance in adverse outdoor conditions?
A. ParkMate’s sensors and detection systems are specifically engineered to operate reliably in challenging weather and outdoor environments. Most components are IP-rated, ensuring they are airtight and dustproof. Cameras are fully sealed against moisture and dust, while boom barriers and other external hardware are powder-coated and made from synthetic materials and aluminium composite panels (ACP) sheets. Rubber linings are also incorporated to prevent the ingress of dust and moisture. The local processing unit (LPU), which requires periodic maintenance and data access, is housed in a specially designed enclosure that allows for effective cooling while maintaining airtight and watertight integrity. Boom barriers, being simpler devices, come with their own sealed units to process commands from the LPU and consistently perform well in varied weather conditions. These combined features make the system robust, durable, and suitable for long-term outdoor deployment.
Q. Is all ParkMate technology developed in-house?
A. We design and develop all our systems entirely in-house. We do not use any Chinese or European components—every part of our technology is proudly built using locally sourced materials. Our hardware is manufactured through our trusted contract manufacturing units based in Ghaziabad and near Gurugram. We are a company registered in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, and our headquarters are located in Noida Sector 16.
Q. How does the valet software work, and what benefits does it provide to customers?
A. In traditional valet services, customers drop their cars and receive a paper slip, which they later use to retrieve the vehicle. This process is inconvenient during peak hours, inefficient, and prone to errors. We replace paper slips with short message service (SMS)-based confirmations. When a car is handed over, the customer receives an SMS with a unique link containing their booking ID, car ID, key number, valet information, and 360-degree photos of the vehicle. The web link serves as a web app, enabling users to track their car’s location and request delivery. The customer can click ‘Get My Car’, and the system calculates the estimated arrival time, allowing users to minimise wait times and enhance the overall premium experience.
Q. What is the pricing model for ParkMate services?
A. Our pricing varies based on the services availed. Hardware purchases involve a capital expenditure (CapEx) model with an annual maintenance contract. Software services are priced on a monthly licensing fee. When clients opt for full operations management, including manpower, they pay a recurring monthly fee. The business is primarily business-to-business (B2B), and payments are made by entities such as mall operators or municipal bodies.
Q. How do you approach new clients and start services?
A. We typically contact centre directors or deputy general manager (DGM)-level operations managers who are responsible for parking and facility management. During their pitch, we explain the value proposition of our professional valet services, valet automation software, AI-powered parking systems, boom barriers, FASTag integration, and complete hardware-software-manpower deployment. We propose an operations takeover, which includes everything from installation to staff deployment. Once a work order or purchase order is signed, ParkMate usually implements the system within two to three weeks.
Q. How does ParkMate ensure safety in the Drop and Shop (DaSH) service?
A. In the DaSH service, every vehicle is GPS-tracked and every driver is geo-tagged. Any deviation from the designated path triggers an alert. Each car is photographed with 360-degree cameras to record its condition. Furthermore, we provide commercial general liability insurance and customised insurance for added safety and accountability. The service was called DaSH during development, but it will be rebranded at launch.
Q. Can you describe the structure of your research and development (R&D) team and their primary areas of focus?
A. While detailed information about the R&D team structure is confidential, ParkMate has a capable chief technology officer (CTO), a head of engineering (HOE), and a dedicated manager for AI engineering. The team is currently focused heavily on computer vision technologies, aiming to eventually eliminate the need for RFID readers. Another major area of development is on-street parking, which presents a unique set of challenges with few existing solutions in the market.
Q. How does your R&D team collaborate with hardware suppliers or external tech partners?
A. Collaboration with external hardware suppliers is minimal because most hardware used—such as boom barriers, RFID readers, and cameras—are passive or ‘dumb’ devices. The intelligence of the system is centralised in the LPU, which is designed and manufactured in-house. ParkMate develops the software, writes the code, and handles application programming interface (API) integrations internally. This approach ensures that the system remains fully under their control and can be optimised effectively without heavy reliance on third-party vendors.
Q. What is the typical timeline from concept to prototype for a new hardware product?
A. The development timeline for a new hardware product at ParkMate typically ranges from four to six weeks. This period includes concept development, system training, algorithm refinement, and efficacy testing. Particular attention is given to machine learning aspects, such as improving the system’s ability to distinguish similar characters on licence plates. However, the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the system being developed.
Q. How large is the ParkMate team?
A. We have approximately 343 team members, including ground staff. The core managerial and backend team consists of 36 members. In total, the workforce can be rounded off to 350 to 400 personnel.
Q. What technologies form the foundation of ParkMate’s systems?
A. We are built on the Bharat Stack, which integrates digital public infrastructure, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), FASTag by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and potentially the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). Our systems also incorporate Aadhaar, mobile number authentication, and AI-driven predictive algorithms, as well as computer vision.
Q. In which cities is ParkMate currently operational?
A. We operate in 12 cities, including Delhi NCR, Lucknow, Pune, Moradabad, Jhansi, and Hyderabad. We continue to scale across smart cities and urban centres.
Q. What role do AI and machine learning play in the company?
A. AI and machine learning are foundational to ParkMate’s operations. Our systems use predictive algorithms to forecast traffic spikes, determine peak hours, plan manpower allocation, and optimise parking availability. Our AI-driven computer vision also plays a key role in monitoring vehicles and enforcing parking rules.
Q. What challenges have you faced in your journey so far?
A. One of the biggest challenges has been hiring skilled talent at affordable rates. Many candidates appear qualified on paper but lack practical knowledge. This talent gap has made recruitment a persistent hurdle. Beyond human resources, we also faced challenges in navigating the startup ecosystem, especially during the funding winter post-Ukraine war and post-COVID recovery. Initially unfamiliar with startup funding, we learned through experience and benefited from early participation in the EvolveX accelerator programme, which provided crucial mentorship and exposure.
Q. Is there a major announcement or upcoming launch?
A. Yes, we are preparing for a major business-to-customer (B2C) launch. The new platform will bring valet and parking solutions to the general public. In addition, a popular celebrity has been signed as brand ambassador, though details remain confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Q. Are you open to vendor partnerships?
A. Currently, we operate entirely with an in-house team and have no immediate plans to onboard external vendors.
Q. What steps are being taken towards sustainability and electric vehicle (EV) integration?
A. Our systems reduce paper usage through digital transactions and cut fuel consumption by minimising the time drivers spend searching for parking. The average time to find parking has dropped from 19 minutes to just four to five minutes. This contributes significantly to pollution control. We have also partnered with leading EV charging providers to install chargers at their parking facilities, but prefer to stay focused on our core parking services rather than operate the EV charging infrastructure directly.
Q. How scalable is your platform for metro cities?
A. Our platform is highly scalable, especially in traffic-heavy cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The upcoming B2C app and AI infrastructure are built to handle high demand while generating employment and reducing urban congestion. With end-to-end control over tech, operations, and customer service, we are well-positioned to scale across India.
Q. What is the company’s expansion plan for the near future?
A. For the next year, we are focusing on expanding to Mumbai and Bengaluru in addition to consolidating our presence in Delhi NCR. The objective is to strengthen operations in these three metro regions and build a strong foundation before expanding further.
Q. How does ParkMate differentiate itself from competitors?
A. Unlike competitors attempting to become general vehicle marketplaces or focused on residential societies and gated communities, we are dedicated solely to solving parking issues. We do not aim to diversify into other verticals; instead, we focus on becoming India’s most reliable and scalable parking solution. Our services are rooted in B2B contracts and backed by full-stack technology and operations, setting them apart from typical parking apps.
Q. How are valets hired and trained at ParkMate?
A. Valets undergo a 12-day training programme where they are trained to handle vehicles of all types—from basic models to luxury cars. This training culminates in an examination. Only candidates who pass the exam are onboarded. Additionally, every valet must undergo a police verification and background check prior to employment.
Q. How did your business grow in the last fiscal year, and what are your goals and strategies for the next two years?A.
We were registered in July 2021 and began operations in April 2022. Since then, the company has shown rapid growth, reporting a 300% increase in revenue last year. For the current fiscal year, we are projecting an 800% increase and aim to scale up 20 times in the near future based on our robust pipeline.
