DPIIT Ather Energy MoU signed under Build in Bharat initiative to strengthen EV manufacturing and clean mobility ecosystem in India through mentorship, innovation, and infrastructure support for startups.
DPIIT Signs MoU with Ather Energy to Boost EV Manufacturing and Clean Mobility Ecosystem
Introduction: A Strategic Partnership for Clean Mobility
On July 29, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru‑based electric vehicle (EV) maker Ather Energy. This collaboration marks a crucial step in India’s drive toward sustainable transport, advanced manufacturing, and ecosystem-building in the EV value chain
Collaboration under the ‘Build in Bharat’ Initiative
The MoU aligns with the Build in Bharat initiative led by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF)—a coalition of over 50 innovation‑focused startups. The initiative aims to foster a robust manufacturing and innovation ecosystem in India
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Strategic mentorship: DPIIT and Ather Energy will mentor deep‑tech and hardware startups developing EV, battery, and clean‑energy technology innovations
- Infrastructure support: The partnership will facilitate infrastructure and industrial linkages for startups across the EV value chain
- Innovation programs: Joint initiatives include the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, innovation grants, and targeted competitions to drive EV component and battery R&D
Talent and Skill Development Initiatives
The MoU entails co‑hosted training programs, industry visits, and participation in marquee events such as Startup Mahakumbh, offering hands‑on exposure and networking for startups and students alike
Leadership Views: Catalyst for Transformation
- Sanjiv Singh (Joint Secretary, DPIIT): emphasized that India’s electric mobility sector is at an inflection point. He called the partnership a catalyst for enabling startups to contribute meaningfully to EV manufacturing and battery innovation
- Tarun Mehta (Co‑founder & CEO, Ather Energy): affirmed that combining policy backing and industry engagement will empower deep‑tech founders to build globally competitive products from India
- Shweta Rajpal Kohli (President & CEO, SPF): noted that this MoU exemplifies the vision of Build in Bharat, unlocking India’s latent manufacturing prowess to build a world‑class innovation ecosystem
Policy and Economic Implications
This collaboration supports national self‑reliance in manufacturing, promotes sustainable transport, and dovetails with other flagship campaigns such as Make in India, Startup India, and India’s net‑zero climate commitments The partnership bridges public policy and private enterprise to nurture hardware‑oriented startups, fueling investment, innovation, and job creation.
B) Why This News Is Important
Enabling Startups to Drive EV Revolution
This MoU empowers deep‑tech startups and hardware innovators to address critical technology gaps in EV manufacturing—especially in batteries, controllers, and vehicle components. Such strategic support is essential for India to build domestic leadership in advanced mobility.
Aligning Policy with Industry Capabilities
By bridging DPIIT’s policy mandates with Ather Energy’s industrial experience, the collaboration strengthens the state‑startup‑industry nexus. It ensures that high‑impact programs like the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge find real-world anchorage.
Supporting Government Exam Aspirants
For aspirants across civil services, defence, banking, railways, and education sectors:
- The initiative illustrates how public‑private partnerships are leveraged for national goals.
- Explains government strategy in aligning start‑up policy, industrial promotion, and sustainable mobility.
- Demonstrates a current case of Make in India, Startup India, and clean energy transition in practice.
C) Historical Context
Evolution of EV Policy in India
Since the launch of the FAME (Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme in 2015, India has ramped up efforts to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote electric adoption. This includes incentivizing buyers and manufacturers, establishing charging norms, and encouraging indigenous production
Build in Bharat & Startup Policy Forum
The Build in Bharat initiative, pioneered by SPF, emerged as a platform to strengthen manufacturing‑startup ecosystems. It builds on previous government schemes like Make in India and Startup India, pushing for technological and hardware capabilities rooted in India.
Rise of Ather Energy
Founded in 2013, Ather Energy evolved into a leader in India’s electric scooter market, supported by investment in R&D, fast‑charging infrastructure, and innovation in battery technology. The company represents India’s potential to build home‑grown EV excellence.
D) Key Takeaways from DPIIT–Ather MoU
Key Takeaways from This News
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | DPIIT and Ather Energy signed an MoU on 29 July 2025 to fast‑track India’s EV ecosystem as part of the Build in Bharat initiative |
| 2 | Partnership focuses on strategic mentorship, infrastructure support, and innovation programmes for deep‑tech EV startups |
| 3 | Joint initiatives include the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, Startup Mahakumbh participation, and field exposure visits for industry insights |
| 4 | Leaders like Sanjiv Singh, Tarun Mehta, and Shweta Rajpal Kohli highlighted the collaboration’s role in catalysing hardware innovation, make‑in‑India momentum, and clean mobility growth |
| 5 | The MoU reinforces government objectives of self‑reliant manufacturing, green transport, and a globally competitive startup ecosystem aligned with India’s sustainability goals |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of the DPIIT–Ather Energy MoU?
The MoU aims to foster innovation and scale in the EV and clean mobility ecosystem by supporting startups in deep-tech and hardware sectors, thus promoting self-reliant manufacturing.
2. What is the Build in Bharat initiative?
It is a platform spearheaded by the Startup Policy Forum to promote indigenous manufacturing and technology innovation by supporting startups, particularly in the hardware and clean-tech sectors.
3. Which government body signed the MoU with Ather Energy?
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
4. Who are the key stakeholders involved in this collaboration?
The key stakeholders include DPIIT, Ather Energy, and the Startup Policy Forum, which collectively aim to mentor startups and create industrial linkages.
5. What are some initiatives planned under this MoU?
Initiatives include mentorship programs, infrastructure support, the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, training, and field visits like Startup Mahakumbh.
6. How does this partnership contribute to India’s climate goals?
By promoting electric vehicle manufacturing and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the initiative directly supports India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
7. Why is this relevant for UPSC and other exam aspirants?
It aligns with key topics like public-private partnerships, Make in India, Startup India, green mobility, and industrial innovation—frequent themes in competitive exams.
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