Driving collaboration and advancing lithium and sodium-ion solutions, MeitY launches an R&D centre in Pune for key industries and signs MoUs with industry players.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently inaugurated a research and development (R&D) centre in Pune to foster innovation in rechargeable battery technology (RBT) and strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities.
The centre of excellence (CoE) on RBT (Pre-cell) at CMET, Pune, aims to support the development of indigenous battery technologies. The centre aims to further enhance indigenous manufacturing capabilities for battery technologies, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles, mobile devices, and consumer electronics, while emphasising the use of local machinery in battery cell production.

The MeitY secretary recently chaired an event to discuss the progress and potential of R&D efforts in this area, which showcased advancements in the domestic production of lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lithium-polymer battery technologies. It also served as a platform for exploring industry collaboration in R&D.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, underlined the importance of such industry-focused events, noting that the technology developed aligns with the growing need for commercially viable, industry-driven solutions. He emphasised that collaborations in this area are essential to fostering innovation and adoption in the fast-expanding battery sector.
Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary at MeitY, added that both entrepreneurs and large industries are crucial to advancing the technology the ministry developed.
The meet saw participation from other dignitaries of the industry, including associations like ELCINA, IESA, and ICEA, as well as major companies such as Tata Chemicals, Exide, Ola Electric Mobility, and others.
The event culminated in the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Watthour Private Limited, Ampere Green Material, and Brandwork Technologies Pvt Ltd to further advance sodium-ion and lithium-ion technologies.