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
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DPIIT and Ather Energy formalized a strategic partnership to boost EV manufacturing and clean mobility
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The MoU includes mentorship, infrastructure support, and innovation programs for startups
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The initiative is anchored in the Build in Bharat framework led by the Startup Policy Forum
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The partnership aims to bridge gaps between earlystage ventures and industrial scaleup opportunities
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Strategic Objectives of the DPIITAther Energy MoU
Mentorship and Innovation Support
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Deeptech startups will receive strategic guidance to tackle core technology challenges
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Joint innovation programs such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge will be launched
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Startups will gain access to national platforms like Startup Mahakumbh for exposure and networking
Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development
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Startups in the EV value chain will benefit from shared infrastructure and manufacturing access
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Onground exposure visits to production facilities will be organized to foster learning
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Talent development initiatives will be cohosted to build a skilled workforce for clean mobility
Policy and Industry Synergy
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The partnership aligns government policy with industry expertise to create a robust support system
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Focus areas include battery innovation, EV component localization, and sustainable manufacturing
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DPIIT aims to catalyze a startupfriendly environment that encourages scalable product development
Voices from the Collaboration
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Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, emphasized the transformative potential of the EV sector and the need for an enabling ecosystem for startups
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Tarun Mehta, Cofounder and CEO of Ather Energy, highlighted the importance of policy support and industry collaboration in scaling highquality hardware products
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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
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Expansion of the startup base in EV and clean tech sectors
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Acceleration of localization efforts for key EV components
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Enhanced visibility and credibility for hardwarefocused ventures
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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
