Electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to accelerate the growth of clean mobility and advanced manufacturing in India.
According to an official statement released on Tuesday, the collaboration is part of the ‘Build in Bharat’ initiative, spearheaded by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF)—a collective of over 50 innovation-driven startups committed to strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Under the terms of the MoU, Ather Energy and DPIIT will work together on a range of initiatives, including strategic mentorship for deep-tech startups, infrastructure support for enterprises in the electric vehicle (EV) value chain, and joint innovation programs such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge.
The partnership will also facilitate talent and skill development programs, collaborative participation in major startup events like Startup Mahakumbh, and hands-on learning opportunities through exposure visits aimed at encouraging knowledge exchange and networking.
The MoU was formalised in the presence of Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, and Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy.
The collaboration aims to foster a more supportive ecosystem for manufacturing-focused startups and play a significant role in advancing India’s journey towards sustainable mobility.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sanjiv Singh stated, “India’s electric mobility sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Through this partnership with Ather Energy, we intend to create a conducive environment for startups working in EV manufacturing, battery technology, and clean energy innovations.”
Echoing the importance of the initiative, Ather Energy CEO Tarun Mehta said, “We’re excited to work with DPIIT to strengthen the support infrastructure for hardware and deep-tech startups. With the right policy backing and industry collaboration, this initiative can help founders tackle core technology challenges and scale world-class products from India.”
Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO of the Startup Policy Forum, also highlighted the strategic value of the partnership. “This collaboration between DPIIT and Ather Energy gives real momentum to the Startup Policy Forum’s Build in Bharat initiative. Driving India’s manufacturing growth through meaningful partnerships is essential for building a globally competitive innovation landscape,” she said.
The alliance is expected to open new doors for startups in the electric vehicle and broader manufacturing sectors, while supporting India’s goals of industrial self-reliance and climate-conscious development.
