**Summary:**
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ather Energy Limited, an Indian electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. This partnership aims to strengthen India's clean mobility ecosystem and advanced manufacturing sectors under the "Build in Bharat" initiative led by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a coalition of over 50 innovation-focused startups.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive collaboration focusing on:
* Strategic mentorship for deeptech startups.
* Infrastructure support for startups in the EV value chain.
* Joint innovation programs such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge.
* Co-hosted talent and skill development initiatives.
* Participation in events like Startup Mahakumbh, including on-ground exposure visits.
The signing ceremony included Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv Singh, and Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, Tarun Mehta. The initiative aims to catalyze the development of an enabling environment for startups to contribute to EV manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy solutions, aligning with India's climate and industrial goals, and building a self-reliant startup ecosystem.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The Indian government ministry responsible for international trade and industry.
DPIIT: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Ather Energy Limited: An Indian electric vehicle manufacturer.
Build in Bharat initiative: An initiative under the Startup Policy Forum focused on strengthening domestic manufacturing.
Startup Policy Forum: A coalition of over 50 innovation-focused startups.
Bharat Startup Grand Challenge: A joint innovation program.
Startup Mahakumbh: A startup event.
Shri Sanjiv Singh: Joint Secretary, DPIIT
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
DPIIT signs MoU with Ather Energy to strengthen EV
manufacturing and clean mobility ecosystem
Partnership launched under Startup Policy Forum’s
‘Build in Bharat’ initiative
Posted On: 29 JUL 2025 9:28AM by PIB Delhi
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ather Energy Limited, an Indian electric vehicle
manufacturer, to accelerate the growth of India’s clean mobility and advanced manufacturing sectors. The
collaboration is being undertaken as part of the Build in Bharat initiative led by the Startup Policy Forum
(SPF), a coalition of over 50 innovation-focused startups.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive partnership between DPIIT and Ather Energy that will focus on strategic
mentorship for deep-tech startups, infrastructure support for startups in the EV value chain, joint innovation
programs such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, co-hosted talent and skill development initiatives, and
participation in events like Startup Mahakumbh along with on-ground exposure visits.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv Singh, and Co-founder and CEO,
Ather Energy, Tarun Mehta. The initiative is expected to support India’s transition towards sustainable
transport and create a more enabling environment for manufacturing-oriented startups.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv Singh said, “The electric mobility
sector in India is entering a transformative phase. Through this partnership with Ather Energy, we aim to
catalyse the development of an enabling environment where startups can contribute meaningfully to EV
manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy solutions.”
Co-founder and CEO, Ather Energy, Tarun Mehta said, “We are happy to collaborate with DPIIT to
strengthen support systems for hardware and deep-tech startups. With policy support and stronger industry
participation, this initiative can help founders tackle core technology challenges and scale high-quality
products from India.”
President and CEO, Startup Policy Forum, Shweta Rajpal Kohli said, “This partnership between DPIIT and
Ather Energy brings to life the Startup Policy Forum’s Build in Bharat initiative. Unlocking the potential of
India's manufacturing sector through collaboration is key to building a globally competitive innovation
ecosystem.”
This collaboration is expected to provide new opportunities for startups in the EV and manufacturing space,
contributing to a future-ready and self-reliant startup ecosystem aligned with India’s climate and industrial
goals.
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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas(Release ID: 2149532)