Unlocking the value chain of EVs and micromobility in India
Applications close 24 November
Unlocking the value chain of EVs and micromobility in India is an initiative to help businesses explore opportunities, establish long-lasting partnerships in the Indian market and accelerate the growth of their business and global footprint.
This programme will not only address immediate market needs but also lay the foundation for enduring collaborations that benefit all involved, driving bilateral trade and investment and fostering equitable and inclusive economic growth in both nations.
The initiative is formed of an SME support programme and pre-departure activities, culminating with an Immersion Visit to the cities of Chennai and Kolkata in February 2025 that will include participation in the Global Start-up Summit in Chennai between 21-22 February.
Collaborating with Indian innovators to address sustainable transport will provide UK SMEs with a unique opportunity to rapidly scale their technology’s capabilities and reach. Additionally, Indian stakeholders will gain insight into the UK market opportunities whilst collaborating with local SMEs.
With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India operates on a significantly larger scale than the UK. Since 2014, over 3.45 million electric vehicles have been sold in India. Understanding cost and pricing sensitivities will be crucial for fostering successful collaboration whilst being guided through Indian business culture.
The programme is being delivered by Connected Places Catapult in collaboration with Global Business Inroads (GBI), and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in Chennai and Kolkata and funded by Innovate UK.
Application support webinar
On 28 October, Connected Places Catapult will hold a webinar for applicants to learn more about the programme, including the challenges and background on the desired partnerships for the Indian market.
Key Dates
Programme challenges
1: Addressing Consumer Needs and Mindset
Chennai and Kolkata want to increase the uptake of electric two and three-wheelers by addressing passenger and driver concerns and reducing the cost of the vehicle. Solutions should address one or more of the following.
- Range anxiety
- Cost, including resale value
- Vehicle design for comfort, accessibility and status
- Safety concerns
- After sales skills development
- Consumer awareness, mindset, and willingness to adopt
2: Enhancing charging infrastructure for e2/3ws
Improving the charging infrastructure is necessary to increase the uptake of e2/3ws, which includes making charging more accessible, cheaper, and standardised. Solutions must address one or more of the following:
- Easily accessible charging stations
- Standardised or transferrable charging hardware
- Scalable Grid Infrastructure upgrades
- Leveraging Renewable Energy
- Improving charging technology
- Cost efficiencies
3: Improving battery technology
Improving battery technology is necessary to reduce the cost of e2/3w, address safety concerns, and have locally produced batteries that are fit for Chennai and Kolkata context. Solutions must address one or more of the following:
- Battery design improvements
- Battery management systems (BMS)
- Advanced/Alternative Battery Chemistries
- Second Life and Recycling
- Alternative battery strategies
- Standardisation
4: Facilitating shared e2/3W schemes
Integrating e2/3ws into public transport and enhancing shared mobility schemes is essential for improving the first/last mile transport that is needed in Chennai and Kolkata. Solutions must address one or more of the following:
- Integrating with public transport
- Booking integration
- Operational Efficiency
What’s on offer to smes?
01
Masterclasses and 1-2-1 support
With market access specialists to increase knowledge of how to do business in India, better understand market opportunities and barriers, and how to further refine their business models and value propositions for the Indian market.
02
Fully funded travel* and accommodation for one representative
For each successful SME to attend the Immersion Visit to Chennai and Kolkata in February 2025.
03
Connect with stakeholders
Opportunities to engage with other start-ups, large corporates, academia, investors and government during a series of organised in market meetings, events and match-making activities increasing participant’s chances of succeeding in the Indian market.
* Note this opportunity is fully funded support and not monetary funding.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- Be a micro, small or medium sized enterprise (SME)
- Be headquartered or based within the UK
- Have a Technology Readiness Level of at least TRL 6 (i.e. technology has been demonstrated in an operational environment)
- Have commitment from a senior person within the business to take part in the SME support, preparation activities and the visit to India in February 2025
How to apply
Please register through the link below. Applications close midnight on 24 November.
Supporting documents
Point of contact
If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact:
Megan Ford, SME Ecosystem Support Manager, Connected Places Catapult.megan.ford@cp.catapult.org.uk
