India’s mobility sector is rapidly transforming with a focus on Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) technologies. The MOTION Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) in Pune plays a very important role in this evolution. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT and the Government of Maharashtra, MOTION CoE encourages innovation and startup growth in the ACES space. It combines infrastructure, mentorship, funding, and industry collaboration to accelerate India’s next-generation mobility solutions.
Recent Developments in ACES Mobility
The global shift towards smarter and cleaner transport systems has positioned India as a key player. MOTION CoE supports this by incubating startups that develop cutting-edge mobility technologies. The centre has surpassed its incubation target with 55 startups, generating revenue, external funding, and job creation. These ventures have launched numerous products and filed multiple intellectual property applications, marking India’s growing innovation footprint.
MOTION Centre Infrastructure and Ecosystem
Located in Pune’s Electronic Sadan III, MOTION CoE spans 10,000 sq. ft. It offers advanced prototyping labs and a 75-seat co-working space. The centre is backed by a consortium including Tata Motors, Intel, and SAE India. This ecosystem provides startups with expert mentorship, physical and virtual incubation, legal and financial services, and investor access. Funding support is available through the Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme.
Key Startups and Their Innovations
Attron Automotive focuses on high-efficiency electric propulsion systems for two and three-wheelers. It has patented technologies enhancing energy efficiency and performance. Combat Robotics develops rugged unmanned ground vehicles for defence and disaster response, featuring adaptive motion and remote operations. Coulomb Li-tech produces lithium-ion batteries, battery management systems, and EV chargers, supporting energy storage needs. Kairus Energies designs advanced lithium-ion battery modules with proprietary thermal management for defence and aerospace. Eidikos Business Enterprises provides Level 2 AC charging kiosks for electric vehicles, combining captive charging and Charging-as-a-Service models.
Impact on India’s Mobility Landscape
MOTION CoE is a catalyst for India’s ACES mobility vision aligned with the Automotive Mission Plan 2047. It bridges innovation with real-world applications, enabling startups to scale and contribute to sustainable transport solutions. The centre’s success reflects India’s potential as a global hub for mobility innovation, addressing both national and international challenges in transportation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of government-supported innovation hubs in encouraging sustainable mobility in India with suitable examples.
- Explain the significance of Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) mobility in transforming urban transport systems in developing countries.
- What are the challenges in scaling electric vehicle infrastructure in India? How can public-private partnerships address these challenges?
- Comment on the impact of intellectual property rights on innovation in India’s automotive sector, citing recent developments.
