DPIIT Partners with Ather Energy to Support Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Under 'Build in Bharat' Initiative

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a memorandum of understanding with Ather Energy Limited on July 29, 2025, to strengthen India's electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities and clean mobility ecosystem.

The partnership operates under the Startup Policy Forum's 'Build in Bharat' initiative, which represents a coalition of over 50 innovation-focused startups.

The agreement establishes a framework for strategic mentorship targeting deep-tech startups, infrastructure support for companies within the EV value chain, and joint innovation programs including the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge.

The collaboration will also encompass talent development initiatives and participation in industry events such as Startup Mahakumbh, along with field exposure visits for participants.

Joint Secretary of DPIIT Sanjiv Singh and Ather Energy Co-founder and CEO Tarun Mehta formalized the agreement during a signing ceremony. Singh stated that the electric mobility sector in India is experiencing a transformative phase, and the partnership aims to create an environment where startups can contribute to EV manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy solutions.

Mehta emphasized the importance of supporting hardware and deep-tech startups, noting that policy support and industry participation can help founders address core technology challenges while scaling high-quality products manufactured in India.

Startup Policy Forum President and CEO Shweta Rajpal Kohli described the partnership as bringing the Build in Bharat initiative to fruition, highlighting collaboration as essential for building a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.

Ather Energy, founded in 2013 by Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, manufactures high-performance electric scooters and operates India's widest two-wheeler fast charging network.

The company launched its first electric scooter in 2018 and currently offers eight variants across two product lines: the performance-oriented Ather 450 series and the family-focused Ather Rizta line introduced in 2024.

As of March 31, 2025, Ather has installed 3,611 fast chargers and neighborhood chargers globally, including 3,578 across India and 33 in Nepal and Sri Lanka. The company holds 309 registered trademarks, 203 registered designs, and 47 registered patents, with additional applications pending for 97 trademarks, 10 designs, and 313 patents worldwide.

The partnership is expected to create opportunities for startups in the EV and manufacturing sectors while supporting India's transition toward sustainable transport and industrial self-reliance goals.