Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched ‘Hero For Startups’ (HFS) programme that will support innovative startups that are working on mobility solutions.

Startups shortlisted for the initiative will get exclusive access to Hero MotoCorp’s world-class Research and Development facilities in Germany and India, the company’s dealers, suppliers and partners, along with mentorship.

An opportunity to work on paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs), which the company believes will enable successful PoCs to integrate their solutions into Hero MotoCorp's diverse product portfolio. This will not only unlock valuable market exposure, but also accelerate growth and visibility of their innovations.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Hero For Startups is our commitment to shaping the future of mobility and beyond through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Rooted in the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, it is a transformative platform that empowers India to excel on the global stage. Inviting dreamers, doers, and visionaries, this initiative is a catalyst for extraordinary ideas to tackle real-world challenges for Bharat while opening doors to unprecedented opportunities. Hero For Startups accelerates India’s rise as a global leader, setting new benchmarks for innovation and impact and creating a world of possibilities for generations to come.”

Hero For Startups will work towards –

Fostering innovation by driving development of cutting-edge technologies and disruptive solutions to transform the mobility sector.

Strengthening innovation by collaborating with emerging startups, providing them with resources and support to create technology-driven innovation that invigorates the automotive industry.

Sustainability and long-term impact to shape the future of mobility through innovation that is scalable and sustainable.

They will also get technical support giving them access to manufacturing and business teams, which will allow startups to test, develop, and deploy their solutions.

Tailored bootcamps will focus on enhancing the technological and operational capabilities of startups, preparing them for future industry challenges and ensuring the sustainability of their solutions

Lastly, startups will get guidance from experienced industry professionals and strategic mentorship from Hero MotoCorp’s leadership team, empowering them to scale their ventures and make a transformative impact on the mobility sector.

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LICO Materials and Ather Energy have announced a partnership to establish a system for the collection and recycling of lithium-ion batteries.

Under this agreement, end-of-life batteries from Ather’s electric two-wheelers will be processed at LICO Materials' facility in Karnataka. The recovered materials will then be reintroduced into the battery supply chain for use by cell manufacturers and vehicle producers.

The initiative aims to address the recovery of materials including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and copper. LICO Materials states that its facility can achieve recovery rates of up to 95 percent.

Gaurav Dolwani, CEO, LICO Materials, said, "India is building one of the world's largest EV fleets and it is doing without domestic reserves of the minerals that power it. That is a structural vulnerability, and battery circularity is the only answer. This partnership means those batteries can be recycled and recovered minerals can be fed into the battery supply chain. We believe this is how India can reduce its dependence on imported critical materials.”

This collaboration aligns with the Battery Waste Management Rules 2022, which require extended producer responsibility within the electric vehicle industry. By recycling battery materials, the companies intend to reduce reliance on imported minerals and support India’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2070.

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Bengaluru-based deeptech start-up Vimag Labs has been granted a patent in India for its Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) platform titled ‘A Robust Rotating Transformer Excited Synchronous Motor and Its Control’, which protects the architecture of the motor that does not require magnets.

The VMSM platform uses power electronics and algorithms to control its magnetic field. Vimag Labs claims that the motor functions without the rare-earth magnets typically found in permanent magnet motors. This is the 5^th patent granted to the company, which also has ten patents pending and 15 trademarks filed.

The company is conducting pilot programmes with manufacturers of two-wheelers and passenger cars. Future expansion plans include light commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles and industrial systems.

Manish Seth, Co-Founder and CEO, Vimag Labs, said, “This patent is the outcome of over 87,600 engineering hours. It strengthens every dimension of our commercial roadmap- OEM partnerships, licensing, manufacturing scale-up, and future growth. Our long-term vision is to build scalable, software-driven, magnet-free motor systems for global electrification. This innovation strengthens India’s deep-tech base across electric mobility, power electronics, robotics, defence, and clean-energy systems.”

Vimag Labs recently raised USD 5 million in a Series A funding round led by Accel, with participation from Chakra Growth Fund and Thinkuvate. The company has also signed a manufacturing memorandum of understanding with Jendamark.

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Tier 1 automotive supplier Autoliv and Chinese automotive major XPENG have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to develop mobility solutions for global markets. The partnership aims to facilitate collaboration across technology development, digitalisation, supply chain coordination and sustainability.

As per the agreement, Autoliv will use its global presence and expertise in automotive safety systems to support XPENG’s product development and international expansion. The collaboration is designed to combine Autoliv’s safety standards with XPENG’s work in electric vehicles, AI, autonomous driving and robotics.

Mikael Bratt, President and CEO, Autoliv, said, "XPENG is striving to explore the future of mobility, and Autoliv is proud to support that journey. As vehicles become smarter, safety must be integrated from the very beginning. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to innovation and safety, combining XPENG's innovation in smart mobility with Autoliv's global safety expertise to help make the next generation of mobility safer."

The companies intend for the agreement to improve innovation efficiency in response to changes in the automotive industry, including electrification, connectivity and globalisation.

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Krafton India, the studio behind the popular mobile game – Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has announced that Italian supercar brand Ferrari will be added to BGMI as part of the 4.5 update, starting from 16 July 2026.

The collaboration brings four models to the game: the Roma, Purosangue, LaFerrari and SF90 XX Spider. These vehicles will be available for over 260 million players to collect through in-app purchases. The update will also introduce a Ferrari-themed photo zone where players can interact with the vehicles and installations. This space will include animations for players to use with teammates.

Players will be able to drive the vehicles from 16 July to 7 September 2026. Further information will be provided on BGMI’s social media channels regarding event dates and trailers. The partnership between Krafton and Scuderia Ferrari HP was established in December 2025.

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