The story of Ather Energy, a trailblazer in India’s electric scooter revolution, is deeply intertwined with the educational and professional journeys of its co-founders, Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain. Their shared academic background and collective experiences in the automotive sector set the stage for a transformative venture that has reshaped the landscape of two-wheeler transportation in India.
Tarun Mehta’s foray into engineering and innovation began at
the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where he pursued a
dual degree in Engineering Design. This rigorous academic program not only
honed his technical skills but also ignited a passion for cutting-edge
solutions that would later define his entrepreneurial journey.
Swapnil Jain, who would go on to become Mehta’s co-founder at Ather Energy, followed a similar educational trajectory. Jain also graduated from IIT Madras, holding an integrated Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Engineering Design. This shared academic background not only fostered a deep mutual understanding but also laid the groundwork for their collaborative vision in the burgeoning field of electric mobility.
During his college years, Tarun Mehta gained valuable
industry experience through internships at Mercedes Benz. These stints offered
him a practical perspective on automotive engineering and introduced him to the
complexities of real-world applications. This exposure played a crucial role in
shaping Mehta’s vision for innovation, equipping him with the insights
necessary to embark on his entrepreneurial journey.
Swapnil Jain’s professional journey included internships at
General Motors, where he refined his engineering skills and garnered insights
into the automotive sector’s inner workings. These experiences provided Jain
with a robust foundation and an understanding of the automotive industry’s
demands, which would later prove instrumental in the early stages of Ather
Energy.
The genesis of Ather Energy can be traced back to October 2013, when Mehta and Jain launched the venture at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras Research Park. This marked the beginning of a revolutionary chapter in India’s automotive history. Driven by a shared vision to create the country’s first smart electric scooter, the founders set the wheels of innovation in motion, aiming to redefine the two-wheeler experience through technology and sustainability.
The year 2020 was a significant milestone for Ather Energy,
as it marked the expansion of its product portfolio with the introduction of
the Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus. These models were not merely electric
scooters but represented Ather’s commitment to revolutionizing the riding
experience in India. With advanced features, superior performance, and a focus
on user-centric design, the Ather 450X and 450 Plus epitomized the company’s
dedication to excellence and innovation in electric mobility.
BalaSarvesh
BM Correspondent Chennai