The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) hosted the second edition of its flagship bi-monthly industry meet, ORBIT (Outreach, Research, Breakthrough, Innovation, and Technology) – EV Edition, on September 06, 2025, bringing together MSMEs, startups, multinational companies, and institutional stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
The EV-focused edition aimed at addressing industry challenges, particularly those faced by MSMEs, and co-developing India-specific innovation pathways in clean mobility. Ventures spanning Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 3 to 6 brought forward challenges ranging from prototypes and patent-backed innovations to industrial-scale manufacturing capabilities. Their innovations covered areas such as EV charging infrastructure, battery management systems, OEM components, and distribution networks. Among the notable participants were EO2 EVSE Private Limited, White Carbon, Range Boost Pro, Tech innovate Mobility Pvt Ltd, Evegah Mobility Pvt Ltd, Zetwerk Manufacturing Businesses Pvt Ltd, Adani Group, and Tumpudi Automotive Private Limited.
Welcoming the participants, Prof Vimal Mishra, Dean, Research and Development, IITGN, stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships in high-growth areas and underlined the need for inclusive innovation ecosystems that position MSMEs and startups at the centre of collaborative research. Faculty and representatives from IITGN’s Research Park, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Industry Connect, and Career Development Cell also engaged actively with the visiting industry leaders.
During the deliberations, Prof Soumyadip Sett, Faculty-in-charge, Industry Connect, outlined IITGN’s academic strengths and collaborative programs.
Prof Dhiman Basu, Faculty-in-Charge of Career Development Services at IITGN provided an overview of student internships and placement opportunities, highlighting the various programs through which companies can engage. Mr Anand Pandey, of IIT Gandhinagar Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center then highlighted the activities of IIEC and the Research Park at IITGN. Ongoing research at IITGN in the EV sector was then presented by Prof Pallavi Bharadwaj, Prof Sudhanshu Sharma, and Prof Mithun Radhakrishnan
A roundtable discussion with industry stakeholders, particularly MSMEs, brought to light the major hurdles impeding EV adoption in India. Concerns ranged from battery overheating, inadequate charging infrastructure, and after-sales service gaps to dependence on imported components and weak recycling systems. Participants also pointed to the urgent need for domestic supply chain development, smarter diagnostic systems, improved cooling mechanisms, and lightweight yet affordable materials. Financing barriers, land constraints for charging stations, and limited consumer awareness and trust were also cited as key obstacles to large-scale adoption of clean mobility.
After the discussions, delegates toured IITGN’s facilities, including Makers Bhavan, the SPEL Lab, Research Park, and IIEC, exploring prototyping, EV research, and startup–industry collaboration opportunities.
Reflecting on the event, Prof Amit Prashant, Dean, External Relations, IITGN, said ORBIT is evolving into a responsive platform that prioritizes the voices of MSMEs and startups, identifies their most pressing R&D and scaling challenges, and enables IITGN to provide technical support. The next edition, scheduled for November 2025, will focus on solar energy.