Quick HighlightsDPIIT partners with Ather Energy to strengthen EV and manufacturing startup ecosystem in India.The partnership is part of Government’s Build in Bharat initiative.Aims to position India as a global hub for sustainable mobility and advanced manufacturing.Key initiatives include strategic mentorship programs, infrastructure and manufacturing support, joint innovation programs, skill development initiatives, and networking and exposure opportunities.DPIIT Partners with Ather Energy to Strengthen EV and Manufacturing Startup Ecosystem in IndiaIn a significant push towards advancing India’s clean mobility and manufacturing sectors, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Ather Energy. The partnership, announced on 29th July 2025, is part of the government’s broader Build in Bharat initiative and aims to nurture deep-tech startups in the EV value chain.This collaboration is being facilitated through the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) —a consortium of over 50 innovation-led startups committed to building a robust and self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem in India. The MoU is focused on fostering growth in EV manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy technologies by providing strategic mentorship and infrastructure support to early-stage deep-tech startups.According to DPIIT, this public-private partnership will help startups navigate early-stage challenges by combining policy guidance with industry expertise. The initiative seeks to position India as a global hub for sustainable mobility and advanced manufacturing.DPIIT Joint Secretary Mr. Sanjiv Singh stated, “This partnership with Ather Energy is expected to significantly bolster the domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem. By providing access to technical know-how, mentorship, and industrial infrastructure, we are enabling startups to drive innovation and support India’s low-carbon growth trajectory.”The MoU outlines several key initiatives:Strategic Mentorship Programs for startups in battery tech, EV components, and clean energy solutionsInfrastructure and Manufacturing Support through co-created innovation labs and pilot facilitiesJoint Innovation Programs such as the Bharat Startup Grand ChallengeSkill Development Initiatives including co-hosted talent acceleration programsNetworking and Exposure Opportunities at flagship startup events like Startup MahakumbhTarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy , emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We are proud to support the Build in Bharat initiative and partner with DPIIT. Strengthening deep-tech and hardware startup ecosystems is crucial for developing scalable, high-quality products in India. This partnership can help founders overcome core technology hurdles with strong policy and industry support.”The MoU reinforces the government’s commitment to clean energy, technological innovation, and job creation in the EV sector. With India moving towards its electrification and sustainability goals, this DPIIT-Ather Energy alliance marks a milestone in creating a thriving environment for manufacturing and innovation-led startups.