Fast Tracking Indian Mobility through the MOTION CoE

Fast Tracking Indian Mobility through the MOTION CoE

Why in News

India’s mobility sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, with the focus shifting toward Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) mobility. In this context, the MOTION Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) in Pune has emerged as a key innovation hub driving the country’s journey toward smarter, cleaner, and globally competitive transportation systems. Launched by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and supported by the Government of Maharashtra, the MOTION CoE is not just an incubation centre but also a catalyst for India’s next-generation mobility revolution.

Introduction

The global automotive industry is evolving faster than ever before. Traditional models of vehicle production and usage are being disrupted by autonomous technologies, connected platforms, electric vehicles, and shared mobility ecosystems. India, with its large market and growing technological capabilities, is positioning itself not only as a manufacturing hub but also as a global innovation leader in mobility.

To enable this shift, the Government of India and various stakeholders have set up dedicated Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) across the country. Among them, the MOTION CoE in Pune stands out as a flagship initiative that provides mentorship, infrastructure, prototyping, funding, and real-world deployment opportunities for mobility start-ups. With an impressive track record of nurturing more than 55 start-ups, generating over ₹465 crore in valuation, and launching 128 prototypes, the CoE is playing a transformative role in shaping India’s mobility future.

Key Issues and Background

1. The Need for ACES Mobility

India faces pressing challenges in urban transport, including traffic congestion, air pollution, rising fuel imports, and safety concerns. Traditional mobility solutions are no longer adequate. The future lies in ACES mobility, which combines autonomous driving, connected systems, electrification, and shared transport to create cleaner, safer, and more efficient systems.

2. Government Push and Industry Support

The Government of India has already introduced FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles), Automotive Mission Plan 2047, and several state-level EV policies to encourage adoption. However, innovation requires not only policy but also incubation, testing, and entrepreneurship ecosystems. The MOTION CoE fills this gap by offering start-ups everything from lab infrastructure to market access.

3. Infrastructure and Facilities at MOTION CoE

Located in MIDC Bhosari, Pune, the CoE covers 10,000 sq. ft. with:

• Cutting-edge labs for prototyping.

• A 75-seater co-working space.

• Advanced testing facilities.

• Access to mentors from top companies like Tata Motors, ARAI, SAE India, MathWorks, and TiE Pune.

It provides a full-stack support system, which includes:

• Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) opportunities.

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) assistance.

• Legal, financial, and networking services.

• Real-world pilot project opportunities with industry and government.

Specific Impacts or Effects

The MOTION CoE has already incubated 55 start-ups, exceeding its initial target of 51. Collectively, these start-ups have achieved:

• A valuation of ₹465+ crore.

• ₹34+ crore in revenue generation.

• ₹23+ crore in external funding raised.

• Creation of 500+ jobs.

• Development of 128 prototypes and launch of 82 products.

• Filing of 67 IPs, out of which 40 have already been granted.

Standout Start-Ups at MOTION CoE

1. Attron Automotive

   • Focuses on high-efficiency electric propulsion systems for two and three-wheelers.

   • Builds integrated IPM PMSM motors and advanced controllers on a proprietary Eta framework.

   • Recognized by Inc42 as a top mobility start-up to watch.

   • Its R&D has resulted in two technology patents, two design registrations, and multiple product lines.

2. Combat Robotics

   • Uses autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for defence, disaster response, and public safety.

   • Features adaptive motion technology, night vision, and remote operation.

   • Secured a project with Nagpur MahaMetro for railway track monitoring.

   • Selected in the Indian Railways Innovation Challenge.

3. Coulomb Li-Tech

   • Specialises in energy storage solutions through lithium-ion batteries, EV chargers, and analytics platforms.

   • Supports India’s push for energy resilience by enabling large-scale EV adoption.

4. Kairus Energies

   • Innovates in mobility, defence, and aerospace.

   • Developed advanced lithium-ion battery modules with a proprietary HITCHTech™ thermal management system for rapid charging and fire safety.

   • Deployed 100+ kWh of storage systems.

5. Eidikos Business Enterprises

   • Builds Level 2 AC charging kiosks for e-bikes, e-rickshaws, and electric cars.

   • Offers a hybrid model of Captive Charging + Charging-as-a-Service (CAAS).

   • Its distributed deployment model suits both urban and peri-urban areas in India.

These start-ups demonstrate how the MOTION CoE has evolved into a launchpad for sectoral innovation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While the MOTION CoE has already delivered impressive results, there are still significant challenges ahead:

1. Scaling Infrastructure Nationwide

   • EV charging, battery swapping, and autonomous vehicle testing need expansion beyond metro cities.

2. Policy and Regulation

   • A clear regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles and data privacy in connected mobility is still evolving.

3. Funding and Capital Access

   • While early-stage funding is growing, many mobility start-ups struggle with scaling capital to compete globally.

4. Technology Gaps

   • India must continue investing in battery innovation, AI-driven driving systems, and supply chain resilience.

5. Consumer Adoption

   • Cost of EVs, lack of charging infra, and mindset barriers slow adoption. Public awareness campaigns are needed.

The Way Forward

• Strengthen CoE Ecosystems: Expand MOTION CoE to other major hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.

• Enhance Industry Collaboration: More partnerships between start-ups, OEMs, and global companies.

• Global Market Access: Help Indian start-ups test and launch in international markets.

• Sustainability Focus: Align with India’s net-zero goals by 2070 through greener innovation.

• Integration with National Missions: Ensure alignment with Automotive Mission Plan 2047 for sustainable, tech-driven mobility.

Conclusion

The MOTION CoE in Pune is a shining example of how public-private partnerships, innovation ecosystems, and start-up incubation can accelerate India’s mobility revolution. By nurturing over 55 start-ups and driving real-world deployments, it has proven to be more than just an infrastructure provider. It has emerged as a catalyst for sectoral innovation, bridging gaps between research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.

As India continues its journey toward Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) mobility, initiatives like the MOTION CoE will play a decisive role in positioning the nation as a global leader in sustainable and smart mobility solutions. With innovation, vision, and resilience at its core, India is not just preparing for the mobility needs of tomorrow—it is shaping the global future of mobility.

5 Questions and Answers

Q1. What is the MOTION Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) and where is it located?
A1. The MOTION CoE is an innovation and incubation hub dedicated to ACES mobility start-ups. It is located at Electronic Sadan III, MIDC Bhosari, Pune, covering 10,000 sq. ft. with labs, a 75-seater co-working space, and prototyping facilities.

Q2. How many start-ups has the MOTION CoE incubated so far, and what has been their impact?
A2. The CoE has incubated 55 start-ups, collectively achieving a valuation of ₹465+ crore, generating ₹34 crore in revenue, raising ₹23 crore in funding, creating 500+ jobs, and filing 67 IPs.

Q3. Which start-ups have stood out from MOTION CoE, and what are their contributions?
A3. Key start-ups include Attron Automotive (efficient propulsion systems), Combat Robotics (autonomous UGVs for defence and safety), Coulomb Li-Tech (battery storage solutions), Kairus Energies (advanced lithium-ion modules), and Eidikos Business Enterprises (EV charging kiosks).

Q4. What challenges remain for India’s mobility sector despite the success of MOTION CoE?
A4. Challenges include scaling infrastructure nationwide, regulatory gaps in autonomous mobility, access to large-scale funding, bridging technology gaps in batteries/AI, and ensuring consumer adoption of EVs.

Q5. How does MOTION CoE align with India’s national mobility goals?
A5. It aligns with initiatives like the Automotive Mission Plan 2047, FAME policies, and India’s net-zero targets by supporting sustainable, tech-driven innovations in ACES mobility.