29 July 2025 | New Delhi
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry and clean mobility goals, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based electric scooter manufacturer Ather Energy Limited.
The agreement was signed under the ‘Build in Bharat’ initiative, a program launched by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), which represents over 50 innovation-driven startups from across India. The collaboration aims to support startups working in EV manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy technologies.
A Partnership to Power Clean Mobility
The MoU marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between the government and a key industry player to create a more favorable environment for hardware-focused and deep-tech startups. The DPIIT-Ather collaboration will include:
- Mentorship and support for deep-tech startups
- Access to infrastructure for startups in the EV value chain
- Joint innovation programs such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge
- Skill development programs and co-hosted talent-building initiatives
- Participation in national startup events like Startup Mahakumbh
- On-ground exposure visits for startup founders and teams
Officials say the partnership will create new opportunities in the EV and advanced manufacturing space, helping India move closer to its clean energy and self-reliant manufacturing goals.
Voices from the Ceremony
The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary of DPIIT, and Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy. Speaking at the ceremony, Shri Sanjiv Singh said:
“The electric mobility sector in India is entering a transformative phase. Through this partnership with Ather Energy, we aim to catalyse the development of an enabling environment where startups can contribute meaningfully to EV manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy solutions.”
Echoing similar views, Tarun Mehta, CEO of Ather Energy, said:
“We are happy to collaborate with DPIIT to strengthen support systems for hardware and deep-tech startups. With policy support and stronger industry participation, this initiative can help founders tackle core technology challenges and scale high-quality products from India.”
Building in Bharat, for the World
Also present at the event was Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO of the Startup Policy Forum. She highlighted the broader goals of the partnership:
“This partnership between DPIIT and Ather Energy brings to life the Startup Policy Forum’s Build in Bharat initiative. Unlocking the potential of India’s manufacturing sector through collaboration is key to building a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.”
Why This Matters
India has set ambitious goals for reducing its carbon emissions and becoming a global hub for electric mobility. The government’s Startup India mission, Make in India campaign, and push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) are all closely linked with growth in the clean technology and electric vehicle sectors.
This collaboration is not just about signing an agreement — it represents a strategic alignment of policy, industry, and innovation. It ensures that India’s growing number of hardware and EV-related startups get the mentorship, infrastructure, and exposure they need to thrive.
Looking Ahead
The DPIIT-Ather MoU is expected to:
- Create a strong support system for early-stage manufacturing startups
- Encourage homegrown innovation in EV and clean tech
- Promote skill development in hardware and deep-tech sectors
- Position India as a global leader in sustainable and smart mobility solutions
The Build in Bharat initiative and partnerships like this are set to play a crucial role in achieving India’s Net Zero 2070 target and transforming the country into a leader in clean technology innovation.
Source: PIB
