Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The electric vehicle (EV) revolution in India is accelerating at an unprecedented pace—and academic institutions are stepping up to prepare the next generation of engineers. In a landmark collaboration, SRM Institute of Science and Technology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ather Energy to launch Ather Forge, India’s first campus-based experiential EV learning program.
This partnership goes beyond traditional classroom learning. With the addition of three Ather electric scooters for research and teardown, SRMIST is creating a real-world innovation ecosystem where students can design, test, and prototype EV technologies. The initiative reflects a larger vision: building a robust EV talent pipeline aligned with India’s ambitious goal of achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030.
Ather Forge: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Industry
Ather Forge is designed to transform how engineering students learn about electric mobility. Unlike conventional academic modules, this program emphasizes hands-on experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry mentorship.
Students will gain direct exposure to critical EV components such as:
- Battery Management Systems (BMS)
- Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates
- Smart dashboards and user interfaces
- Thermal management systems
The program primarily targets students from Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE), Mechanical Engineering, and Automobile Engineering, ensuring a cross-functional approach to EV innovation.
According to Ather Energy’s leadership, the initiative aims to foster “campus-born innovation for EV talent”, reinforcing the importance of early industry exposure.
A First-of-Its-Kind EV Lab on Campus
One of the most exciting aspects of this collaboration is the establishment of a fully functional EV lab at SRMIST, powered by the three Ather scooters provided under the MoU.
These scooters will not just be used for demonstration—they will be:
- Disassembled for component-level learning
- Tested for performance and efficiency
- Analyzed for software and hardware integration
- Used to build prototype innovations
This makes SRMIST the first institution in India to host such a comprehensive, industry-integrated EV lab experience on campus.
Program Structure: From Learning to Prototyping
The Ather Forge program follows a structured, outcome-driven roadmap:
Phase 1: Foundation & Teardown
Students begin with core EV concepts and proceed to physically dismantle scooters to understand internal systems.
Phase 2: Innovation & Development
Participants work on real-world challenges, including:
- Battery efficiency optimization
- Smart UI enhancements
- Hardware and software integration
Phase 3: Prototyping & Pitching
Students develop proof-of-concepts (POCs) and present them to industry experts, with the opportunity to convert ideas into viable prototypes.
This progression ensures that students move from theoretical understanding to practical innovation, a critical requirement in today’s fast-evolving EV landscape.
Internships and Career Acceleration
A key highlight of the program is the 6–12 month internship opportunity at Ather Energy’s Bengaluru headquarters. These internships provide students with:
- Direct exposure to production-grade EV technology
- Hands-on experience with live projects
- Industry mentorship from experienced engineers
With Ather Energy’s aggressive hiring plans—targeting up to 1,000 hires per year—students participating in Ather Forge are positioned for strong career prospects.
The program also contributes to improved employability, with projected outcomes including:
- Average salary packages around ₹15 LPA
- Placement rates of up to 80%
- Alumni placements in leading EV companies like Ola Electric and TVS Motor Company
Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration
The SRMIST-Ather partnership is a powerful example of how academia and industry can collaborate to create meaningful impact.
Key Benefits of the MoU:
- Faculty immersion programs to upskill educators
- Joint curriculum development aligned with industry needs
- Innovation challenges and hackathons to encourage creativity
- Access to cutting-edge EV technology for research and development
Dr. Leenus Jesu Martin, Dean of Engineering and Technology at SRMIST, emphasized that the initiative is designed to align academic learning with real-world industry requirements, ensuring students are job-ready from day one.
Ather Energy’s Academic Roots and Expansion
Interestingly, Ather Energy itself originated from IIT Madras, making this collaboration a continuation of its strong connection with academic ecosystems.
From a startup incubated on campus, Ather has grown into a leading EV manufacturer with:
- Production capacity of 1 lakh scooters per month
- Expansion into 10 international markets
- Continuous innovation in EV software and hardware
By partnering with SRMIST, Ather is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
Supporting India’s EV Growth and Policy Vision
The timing of this collaboration aligns perfectly with India’s national EV push. Government initiatives such as:
- FAME III (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles)
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes worth ₹26,000 crore
are accelerating EV adoption across the country.
SRMIST’s participation in this ecosystem ensures that students are not just observers but active contributors to India’s EV future.
Sustainability and Green Mobility Impact
Beyond education and employment, the SRMIST-Ather initiative also contributes to sustainability goals.
Environmental Benefits:
- Reduced campus carbon emissions
- Development of student-led EV charging infrastructure
- Promotion of green mobility solutions
This aligns with India’s broader mission of building an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) EV ecosystem, supported by collaborations between academia, industry, and government bodies.
Who Can Apply?
The Ather Forge program is open to:
- Engineering students at SRMIST (2nd year and above)
- Students from EEE, Mechanical, and Automobile disciplines
The program is expected to engage 500+ students annually, making it one of the largest EV-focused campus initiatives in the country.
Applications will be available through:
- Campus recruitment drives
- The official SRMIST student portal
Why This Matters: Building the EV Talent Pipeline
India’s EV market is growing rapidly, but the availability of skilled talent remains a challenge. Programs like Ather Forge directly address this gap by:
- Providing real-world problem-solving opportunities
- Offering industry exposure early in academic careers
- Creating a seamless transition from education to employment
Students gain the chance to work on real challenges such as:
- Battery thermal management
- Smart vehicle interfaces
- Software-driven mobility solutions
This hands-on experience is invaluable in shaping future EV leaders.
Conclusion
The collaboration between SRMIST and Ather Energy marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global EV powerhouse. By combining academic rigor with industry expertise, Ather Forge sets a new benchmark for experiential learning in engineering education.
As India moves toward a cleaner and more sustainable future, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in developing the talent needed to drive innovation, manufacturing, and global competitiveness in the EV sector.
For students, this is more than just a program—it’s an opportunity to build, innovate, and lead in the future of mobility.
FAQs
1. What is Ather Forge at SRMIST?
Ather Forge is an experiential EV learning program launched by SRMIST in collaboration with Ather Energy, offering hands-on training in electric vehicle technology, including battery systems and software integration.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the program?
The program is open to SRMIST engineering students (2nd year and above), especially those from Electrical, Mechanical, and Automobile engineering backgrounds.
3. What kind of practical experience will students gain?
Students will work on real Ather scooters, perform battery teardowns, develop prototypes, and solve real-world EV challenges like thermal management and smart UI systems.
4. Are there internship opportunities with Ather Energy?
Yes, selected students can participate in 6–12 month internships at Ather Energy’s Bengaluru headquarters, working on live EV projects.
5. How does this program help in career growth?
The program enhances employability by providing industry exposure, practical skills, and