In a significant move to bolster India’s electric vehicle (EV) and clean mobility sector, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based Ather Energy. The agreement aims to foster innovation and manufacturing in India’s growing EV industry, particularly through the empowerment of deep-tech and hardware startups.
The pact was signed in the presence of DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh and Ather Energy Co-founder and CEO Tarun Mehta. The collaboration forms part of the government’s broader initiative to promote climate-aligned, manufacturing-led growth in the country.
“This partnership with DPIIT is a significant step in building the support ecosystem for deep-tech startups in India,” said Mehta. “It will enable them to tackle core technology challenges, scale high-quality products, and accelerate the transition to clean mobility.”
As part of the MoU, Ather Energy will work closely with DPIIT and the Startup India program to drive key initiatives such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, exposure visits to EV manufacturing units, talent and skill development programs, and participation in major innovation events like Startup Mahakumbh.
The agreement is integrated into the DPIIT-backed Build in Bharat initiative, spearheaded by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF)—a coalition of over 50 manufacturing and innovation-focused startups. These initiatives are designed to promote indigenous EV technology development and encourage startups to become global leaders in hardware innovation.
The MoU also envisions support for startups developing core EV components, battery systems, and clean-tech solutions. The long-term vision includes creating a robust ecosystem where Indian startups can develop scalable, sustainable, and globally competitive electric mobility technologies.
Officials stated that this partnership marks a pivotal moment in India’s transition toward self-reliant and innovation-driven EV manufacturing, aligning with national climate goals and industrial development strategies.