Press Release, 30 July 2025
From Vision to Velocity
Imagine this: policy makers and startup innovators joining forces to turbocharge India’s electric vehicle ecosystem. On 29 July 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a game-changing MoU with Bengaluru‑based Ather Energy, under the Startup Policy Forum’s ‘Build in Bharat’ initiative.
This strategic alliance is about more than scooters—it’s about turning deep‑tech dreams into Made‑in‑India reality.
A Narrative That Matters: People at the Heart
🔍 What’s the human story?
- Deep‑tech founders now get access to real mentorship, industry exposure visits, and events like Startup Mahakumbh.
- Policy champions like DPIIT and SPF form a bridge between gov‑support and ground‑level innovation.
- Behind every initiative is an emerging entrepreneur aiming to solve core hardware and battery challenges—and scale globally.
🧩 What the MoU Actually Covers
Key pillars of the partnership:
- Strategic mentorship for EV and deep‑tech startups
- Infrastructure support across the EV value chain
- Joint innovation programs, including the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge
- Talent and skill‑building initiatives, co‑hosted by DPIIT and Ather
- Participation in flagship events like Startup Mahakumbh and on‑ground exposure visits.
💬 Voices That Set the Tone
Sanjiv Singh (Joint Secretary, DPIIT):
“The electric mobility sector in India is entering a transformative phase… we aim to catalyse the development of an enabling environment where startups can contribute meaningfully to EV manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy solutions.”
Tarun Mehta (Co‑founder & CEO, Ather Energy):
“We are happy to collaborate with DPIIT to strengthen support systems for hardware and deep‑tech startups… this initiative can help founders tackle core technology challenges and scale high‑quality products from India.”
Shweta Rajpal Kohli (President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum):
“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 It Matters: Industry Impact & Trends
| Impact Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Startup Growth | Hardware and battery innovators get structured ecosystem support |
| Manufacturing Self‑Reliance | Boosts India’s push for Atma‑Nirbhar Bharat in EV and deep‑tech |
| Green Mobility Goals | Aligns with climate action and India’s transport decarbonization |
| Skill Development | Prepares STEM and EV talent through co‑hosted initiatives. |
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India
