DPIIT Signs MoU with Ather Energy to Boost EV Manufacturing and ‘Build in Bharat’ Startup Ecosystem

New Delhi-  In a major step towards accelerating India’s clean mobility transition and strengthening its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based EV pioneer Ather Energy.

The collaboration has been launched under the ‘Build in Bharat’ initiative, spearheaded by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) — a coalition of over 50 innovation-driven startups focused on advanced technology and sustainable development. The MoU was signed in the presence of Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, and Ather Energy’s Co-founder and CEO, Tarun Mehta.

As part of the agreement, DPIIT and Ather Energy will jointly work on fostering India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem, with a focus on EV manufacturing, battery innovation, clean mobility infrastructure, and skill development programs. Key highlights of the partnership include:

• Mentorship for early-stage and hardware startups
• Infrastructure support for the EV value chain
• Joint initiatives such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge
• Startup exposure visits and flagship participation in Startup Mahakumbh
• Talent and skilling programs aligned with green mobility goals

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sanjiv Singh said, “India’s electric mobility sector is entering a transformative phase. This collaboration with Ather Energy will provide a strong foundation for startups to contribute meaningfully to our EV and clean energy mission.”

Tarun Mehta, CEO of Ather Energy, highlighted the importance of policy-industry synergy, stating, “With DPIIT’s support, we aim to empower founders working on core technologies and help them scale world-class hardware solutions from India.”

Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO of Startup Policy Forum, added, “This MoU embodies the spirit of ‘Build in Bharat’. Such public-private partnerships are essential to unlocking the true potential of Indian manufacturing and deep-tech innovation.”

The partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for EV startups, promote self-reliant manufacturing, and contribute to India’s broader climate goals and Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. By fostering innovation and infrastructure around clean technology, the MoU also aligns with the country’s ambition to become a global hub for sustainable industrial development.