In a significant step toward strengthening India’s clean energy transition, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today launched the ‘Battery Aadhaar’ initiative at the Battery Summit 2025. The event, themed “Addressing Challenges, Driving Innovation and Scaling Solutions”, brought together policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for achieving India’s Net Zero 2070 target.
Battery Aadhaar: A New Identity for Every Battery Pack
Positioned as a “game changer” for India’s battery ecosystem, Battery Aadhaar is a digital identification system developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It assigns a unique ID to every battery pack manufactured in the country, enabling end-to-end traceability throughout its lifecycle — from production to disposal.
The system will record critical parameters including thermal incidents, charge-discharge cycles, battery chemistry, and safety certifications. Integrated with Battery Management Systems (BMS), AI-powered diagnostics, and the national EV database, it is expected to enhance battery performance, prevent counterfeiting, and promote a circular economy through efficient recycling.
Dr. Singh emphasized that the initiative would support predictive maintenance and create the foundation for a national battery intelligence infrastructure, making it a pivotal development in India’s electric mobility and energy storage landscape.
Accelerating Clean Energy through Policy and Innovation
Addressing delegates at the summit, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to clean energy through robust policy interventions, highlighting flagship schemes like:
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for Advanced Chemistry Cells
- PM-eDrive for electric mobility
- FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles)
He also underlined the role of the MAHA-EV Mission under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in advancing sustainable transportation solutions.
“India’s clean energy future will be driven by innovation, indigenization, and inclusive partnerships across sectors,” he said.
India’s Innovation Ecosystem on the Rise
Dr. Singh pointed to India’s significant climb in the Global Innovation Index, moving from the 81st position to 39th over a decade. The country’s startup ecosystem has also witnessed a meteoric rise — growing from 350 startups in 2014 to over 1.7 lakh in 2025, positioning India as the third-largest startup hub globally.
He added that the DST’s budget has increased by 926%, from ₹2,777 crore to ₹28,509 crore, reflecting the Centre’s strong push for science and innovation.
Strategic Technology Missions for Future Leadership
Highlighting national R&D priorities, Dr. Singh said India is investing in mission-mode programs such as:
- National Quantum Mission
- AI Mission
- National Supercomputing Mission
Under the NRF framework, 60% of funding will be mobilized from private sector participation, while the government ensures foundational support.
He identified three core areas to sustain momentum:
- Indigenization of technology to reduce reliance on imports
- Strengthening domestic manufacturing to bolster supply chains and job creation
- Fostering innovation through industry-academia-government collaboration
Global Collaboration and Institutional Support
The Minister acknowledged the contributions of key partners in India’s clean energy roadmap, including WRI India, recognized for its Battery360 Alliance, and extended thanks to UNEP, NITI Aayog, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for their continued support.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included:
- Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
- Mr. Asher Lessels, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
- Dr. Anita Gupta, Head, CEST Division, DST
- Mr. Madhav Pai, CEO, WRI India
Their presence underscored the collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach required to meet India’s energy transition goals.
