Clean Roads Ahead: DPIIT and Ather Plug In to Rewire India’s Mobility Future

Unknown Apr 02, 2026 750 Views

In a landmark move aimed at accelerating India’s clean mobility revolution, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with electric twowheeler manufacturer Ather Energy on July 29, 2025. The collaboration is part of the Startup Policy Forum’s Build in Bharat initiative and is expected to reshape the landscape for deeptech and hardwarefocused startups in the electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy sectors.

Key Developments from the July 29 Announcement

DPIIT and Ather Energy formalized a strategic partnership to boost EV manufacturing and clean mobility
The MoU includes mentorship, infrastructure support, and innovation programs for startups
The initiative is anchored in the Build in Bharat framework led by the Startup Policy Forum
The partnership aims to bridge gaps between earlystage ventures and industrial scaleup opportunities
Strategic Objectives of the DPIITAther Energy MoU

Mentorship and Innovation Support

Deeptech startups will receive strategic guidance to tackle core technology challenges
Joint innovation programs such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge will be launched
Startups will gain access to national platforms like Startup Mahakumbh for exposure and networking

Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development

Startups in the EV value chain will benefit from shared infrastructure and manufacturing access
Onground exposure visits to production facilities will be organized to foster learning
Talent development initiatives will be cohosted to build a skilled workforce for clean mobility

Policy and Industry Synergy

The partnership aligns government policy with industry expertise to create a robust support system
Focus areas include battery innovation, EV component localization, and sustainable manufacturing
DPIIT aims to catalyze a startupfriendly environment that encourages scalable product development

Voices from the Collaboration

Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, emphasized the transformative potential of the EV sector and the need for an enabling ecosystem for startups
Tarun Mehta, Cofounder and CEO of Ather Energy, highlighted the importance of policy support and industry collaboration in scaling highquality hardware products
Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO of the Startup Policy Forum, called the partnership a milestone in unlocking India’s manufacturing potential through innovation

Why This Matters Now

India’s EV sector is at a critical inflection point. With rising consumer interest, supportive statelevel policies, and global climate commitments, the need for a strong manufacturing backbone has never been greater.

However, earlystage startups often struggle with infrastructure access, mentorship, and market linkages. This MoU directly addresses those gaps, offering a structured pathway for innovationled growth.

Expected Impact on the Startup Ecosystem

Expansion of the startup base in EV and clean tech sectors
Acceleration of localization efforts for key EV components
Enhanced visibility and credibility for hardwarefocused ventures
Strengthened linkages between policy, industry, and entrepreneurship

Closing Insight

The DPIITAther Energy partnership is more than a bureaucratic handshake—it’s a blueprint for India’s industrial future. By fusing government intent with entrepreneurial energy, the initiative promises to build a globally competitive clean mobility ecosystem. As the wheels of innovation turn, this collaboration could well become the engine driving India’s transition to sustainable transportation.

Source: The Hindu Business Line, Fortune India, Moneycontrol

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