iCreate accelerates EV tech startups in India | Interview with CEO Mr. Avinash Punekar

iCreate, a tech-innovation startup incubator based in Ahmedabad, supports startups in areas like electric vehicles, agritech, and industrial automation. The 2023 EVangelise program looks for early-stage startups having advanced, scalable solutions, aiming for disruptive growth in Indian EV industry.

EVreporter team interviewed Mr. Avinash Punekar, CEO of iCreate, to delve into the organization’s framework. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

Can you outline the various programs iCreate runs to assist innovators and entrepreneurs?

We offer idea accelerator programs for individuals with vague concepts. Through sessions like the AD Accelerator program, we guide them in refining their ideas. If they have a concrete idea, we guide them through the incubation process, providing support tailored to their needs. Additionally, we have a project associate program for final-year students and engage in project incubation for early-stage startups. Our role extends to advising on legalities, connecting with legal service providers, and assisting with decisions like choosing the right legal entity and negotiating with investors.

There are already hundreds of OEMs in India across vehicle categories, apart from several other players in complete EV ecosystem. Furthermore, traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) players are swiftly transitioning into the EV domain. In such a competitive scenario, do you think it is challenging for startups to carve out space for themselves?

Compared to China, India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry has a lot of potential. Big players are into EVs, but not everyone has all the resources. Some import parts and put them together, but that might change. With tighter rules on subsidies, the big players may start looking for local suppliers.

For innovators, there’s a chance in making core parts instead of branded labels. Think of it like China did in the beginning. Major brands in textiles don’t make everything themselves. Businesses making their stuff are doing well. Some might even go from making 60% of parts to the whole vehicle. The market is competitive, but there are still untapped opportunities.

Even though people say big players can’t be moved, new tech can change that. Just look at Tesla surprising everyone. Being the underdog can be an advantage, letting you think differently and change industries. The market is big, and startups have lots of chances.

Can you explain SOC 42, iCreate team’s creation, and its potential implications?

SOC 42, a System on Chip for the Indian EV industry, is an indigenous, RISC V-based open-source processor platform developed to counter the global chip shortage post-COVID. It caters to automotive and consumer goods companies globally dependent on Chinese supplies. Our aim is to provide an alternative platform, accessible to Indian businesses, startups, and industries, allowing them to create applications for various devices, from EVs to set-top boxes. While these devices are smart, none incorporate indigenous processors, a gap addressed by SOC 42. We encourage developers to create diverse applications in this open-source platform, fostering collaboration for continuous refinement.

Beyond startups, the SOC 42 platform benefits the entire Indian industry, extending its utility beyond electric vehicles. I find it fulfilling to envision its adoption in devices like set-top boxes, replacing imported chips. This exemplifies its versatility, serving applications from cycles to four-wheelers, providing a raw brain for customization. Whether for battery management systems, motor controllers, or all-in-one processors, SOC 42 accommodates various needs. Built on the open-source RISC V platform, SOC 42 aligns with our commitment to a completely open-source approach.

Could you disclose iCreate’s forthcoming initiatives or anticipated collaborations?

Various collaborations and plans are in the pipeline, although it’s premature to delve into details. One notable development on the horizon is the establishment of a Category 1 angel fund—the iCreate angel fund—amounting to 100 crores. This fund is specifically designed for startups that have surpassed the conventional support offered by equivalent incubators and are at a stage where they haven’t yet secured funding for market expansion. Hence, our aim is to assist startups during this transitional phase with the mentioned fund.

iCreate recently announced the winners of EVangelise ’23, India’s EV innovation challenge, awarding a total cash prize of ₹42 lakhs to 12 deserving winners. Winners were selected based on technical evaluation, market relevance, and implementation strategies. Details of few of the startups we interacted with details are as follows:

AUKLR Technologies, established in 2021 and headquartered in Bengaluru, focuses on improving the digital cockpit experience for electric vehicles (EVs). Utilizing Android, the company transforms traditional dashboards into interactive digital hubs for 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and trucks. AUKLR’s instrument clusters provide real-time information on vehicle status, speed, battery levels, and more, enhancing driver awareness and safety. As India’s first Android-as-a-Platform provider, it features a strategic collaboration with Qualcomm and offers standalone tech-driven clusters. With a tech team of 25+, AUKLR integrates next-gen AI and IoT into its products, ensuring competitive pricing.

AUKLR states that its proprietary OS processes data from various vehicle parameters, providing real-time insights into battery temperature, with expertise on both hardware and software. Future developments include projects related to cameras, blind spots, and 5G connectivity in collaboration with Qualcomm.

Intuions, founded in 2023 and based in Ahmedabad, addresses gaps in the EV ecosystem with its EV IoT Data Platform. The platform facilitates industry standardization, allowing OEMs, fleet operators, and other stakeholders to remotely monitor and control EV performance, safety, and reliability. Key features include remote fault diagnostics, enhanced after-sales service, predictive maintenance, and insights extraction. Intuions promotes cohesion and collaboration within the industry through inclusive collaboration with APIs. The pricing strategy involves a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model and a data-based consultancy model. The startup claims to have formed collaborations with OEMs, EV fleet operators, EV leasing/Fintech companies, and other stakeholders in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi.

Vijigi Energy Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Ahmedabad, focuses on zero-emission vehicle development. The company offers an integrated electrical and controls platform scalable across various vehicle types. The platform simplifies the electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, enhances safety and efficiency, and reduces integration costs, and time to market. In addition to the integrated platform, Vijigi Energy provides an integrated simulation platform, allowing OEMs to size powertrains, evaluate control algorithms, and streamline software development cycles. This platform, also developed in-house, offers full control over the development process and can simulate vehicle electronics. The pricing strategy is case-specific, aligning with individual OEM requirements. The company aims to democratize zero-emission vehicle development with technology-driven solutions and is establishing a greenfield facility in Gandhinagar. They are the first-place winner in the TRL 5 & above category.

Quantum EV, founded in 2022 and based in Rajkot, specializes in production of advanced Brushless DC (BLDC) Hub Motors tailored for electric two-wheelers, providing a range of Hub Motors with varying power options. QuantumEV emphasizes aspects such as quality, environmental protection IP67 approval, certification compliance, and application flexibility. The startup states that it is collaborating with partners like Qualcomm, T-Hub, iCreate, and SFAL, and has also partnered with with HVRDC Electric Pvt. Ltd. for an EV retrofitting project in Rajasthan, with Raj Cooler for HVAC applications, and for the supply of motor controllers for two-wheeler cargo vehicles in Mumbai. QuantumEV’s pricing strategy aims for competitiveness while delivering superior value, aligning with both Chinese and Indian-made products. The startup strives to stand out through in-house R&D and production to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and a diversified product portfolio catering to various EV applications, including electric kick-scooters, wheelchairs, forklifts, and more.

Re-Energize, headquartered in Greater Noida, specializes in innovative battery packs including a 2-lives Battery Pack designed for Residential Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and new battery packs tailored for EVs. The offering’s features include a user-replaceable cell design without the need for specialized tools, a cell identification system, user-accessible cell compartments, a thermal runaway detection system for enhanced safety, and a mechanism for temperature-related cell isolation. The startup also highlights development of a safety device by them that provides advance alerts to users before potential accidents. Re-energize claims to have completed prototype development under the guidance of IIT Roorkee and iCreate. The team aims to price their offering below the market average for storage industry products and align with market pricing for electric vehicles, and intends to enter the market with their MVP in the next 8 months.

Also read: iCreate awards INR 42 Lakh in EVangelise’23 for Indian EV innovations