India’s biggest EV innovation challenge ‘EVangelise’ kicks off in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: The third edition of India’s largest electric vehicle (EV) innovation challenge, EVangelise, was launched by the International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate) on Tuesday. The event, which started in June, will run until December, and iCreate has begun accepting entries.

Avinash Punekar, the CEO of iCreate, stated that the goal of EVangelise 23 is to identify and support innovative solutions that can address real-life challenges in the EV ecosystem. One of the main challenges is the reliance on foreign technology and components for all types of electric vehicles.

Punekar mentioned that startups in the EV sector have played a significant role in reducing reliance on foreign parts and technology.  85% of the components used in electric vehicles, especially for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, are being within the country. This year, the focus is on developing components for four-wheelers and heavy vehicles like earthmovers and mining trucks.

To support startups in this field, iCreate has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation (TEXMiN), a mining technology innovation hub of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his views on the event, emphasizing the importance of electric mobility in shaping the future of civic mobility and infrastructure. He stated that with collective efforts and initiatives like EVangelise, India will become a global leader in the electric vehicle industry.

The launch ceremony in Ahmedabad was attended by Jagdish Vishwakarma, the Minister of State for Cottage Industries, Industries, and Cooperation. DeshGujarat