DPIIT-Ather Energy MoU

Reference

On July 29, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer ‘Ather Energy Limited’.

About the MoU

• The partnership has been launched under the ‘Build in Bharat’ initiative of the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), an alliance of over 50 innovation-focused startups.
• The MoU aims to accelerate the growth of India’s clean mobility and advanced manufacturing sectors. It reflects India’s commitment to innovation, support to startups and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in the fast-growing electric mobility sector.

Key points of the MoU

The MoU outlines a comprehensive partnership between DPIIT and Ather Energy that includes the following key initiatives:

• Strategic Guidance for Deep-Tech Startups: DPIIT and Ather Energy will provide guidance to startups focused on deep-tech innovations to help them overcome technical and market challenges.
• Infrastructure Support for Electric Vehicle Value Chain: The partnership will facilitate the development of infrastructure for startups across the electric vehicle value chain, including battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and component production.
• Joint Innovation Programme: Programmes such as the India Startup Grand Challenge will be co-organised to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in clean mobility and advanced manufacturing.
• Talent and Skill Development: Collaborative efforts will focus on building a skilled workforce aligned with the needs of the electric vehicle industry, thereby addressing the expertise gap.
• Participation in key events: Startups will have opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing through events like Startup Mahakumbh and on-site visits.

Significance of the Partnership

The DPIIT-Ather Energy collaboration is crucial for India’s industrial and environmental goals:

• Promoting Clean Mobility: The partnership is in line with India’s efforts to promote sustainable transportation that will help reduce carbon emissions through electric vehicles and combat climate change.
• Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem: The MoU creates an enabling environment for manufacturing-oriented startups (especially in the electric vehicle sector) by providing guidance, infrastructure and opportunities.
• Promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The initiative supports self-reliance by promoting innovation in electric vehicle manufacturing, battery technology and clean energy solutions, thereby reducing import dependence.
• Economic and Industrial Development: The collaboration will contribute to job creation, investment attraction and establishing India as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing and innovation.

Conclusion

This agreement comes at a time when India is prioritizing sustainable development and industrial growth under initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The electric vehicle sector is a critical component of India’s climate goals, with the government working towards a target of 30% electric vehicles by 2030. This partnership will significantly contribute to establishing India as a global electric vehicle manufacturing hub, fostering innovation and ensuring environmental sustainability.