DPIIT partners with Ola's rival Ather Energy to strengthen EV manufacturing ecosystem

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ather Energy Limited, an EV maker that competes with Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric, to accelerate the growth of India’s clean mobility and advanced manufacturing sectors. 

According to an official release, 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. 

As part of the agreement, both DPIIT and Ather Energy will focus 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, and participation in events like Startup Mahakumbh, along with on-ground exposure visits. 

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Joint Secretary, DPIIT, 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. 

Joint Secretary, DPIIT, 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.”