India Backs Hardware and Deep-Tech Startups with DPIIT–Ather Energy Partnership

India has kickstarted a major push to strengthen its manufacturing and clean mobility sector with the launch of ‘Build in Bharat.’ Spearheaded by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a network of over 50 innovation-led startups, the initiative is designed to drive domestic production, empower hardware and deep-tech ventures, and align with the nation’s 2047 developed economy vision.

As part of its first milestone, 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, one of India’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers. The collaboration focuses on accelerating clean mobility, strengthening advanced manufacturing, and providing mentorship, infrastructure support, and joint innovation opportunities for startups.

The MOU was formalized in the presence of Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, and Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy. Singh emphasized that India’s electric mobility sector is entering a pivotal phase, and this collaboration will help create an enabling environment for startups to contribute to EV manufacturing, battery technologies, and clean energy solutions.

Tarun Mehta also highlighted that policy support combined with industry participation can accelerate the growth of hardware and deep-tech startups. He added that initiatives like Build in Bharat will help founders address core technology challenges and develop globally competitive products from India.

Under the MoU, strategic mentorship will be a central focus, enabling deep-tech and manufacturing startups to overcome technological hurdles and scale effectively. The collaboration also includes infrastructure support, giving startups access to facilities, industry linkages, and technical resources needed for product development and market expansion.

The initiative will also introduce joint innovation programs, including the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, to identify and support high-impact solutions in EVs, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Startups will gain exposure to flagship national events like Startup Mahakumbh and benefit from on-ground industry visits to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications.

Talent and skill development form another pillar of the partnership, with co-hosted training programs and upskilling initiatives designed to build a future-ready workforce for India’s EV and clean mobility ecosystem. This approach aligns with the country’s broader vision of boosting high-value employment and fostering self-reliance in technology-driven sectors.

According to Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO of SPF, the partnership under Build in Bharat demonstrates the power of collaboration in unlocking India’s manufacturing potential. “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,” she said.