EU and Indian Start-ups pitch for enhanced cooperation in EV battery recycling technologies under EU-India Trade and Technology Council Working Group 2

European Union- India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 2 jointly organized the start-up matchmaking event featuring twelve high-impact solution providers in Battery Recycling Technologies for Electric Vehicles. Following the call for Expression of Interest, an independent Committee of Experts from each side had shortlisted these twelve start-ups through a rigorous process based on scientific merit, market readiness and prospects for cooperation. This initiative aligns with EU and India’s commitment to promote sustainable agenda, foster innovation and forge stronger economic relations between the European Union and India.

The event offered the startups/SMEs an exclusive platform to pitch their innovative technologies. Start-ups operating across the battery recycling value chain, covering collection to valuable mineral extraction that participated in the matchmaking event included Lohum, LW3 Pvt Ltd., BatX Energies, Evergreen Lithium Recycling Pvt Ltd., Metastable Materials Pvt Ltd., CENALL Waste Management LLP, from the Indian side along with the startups from EU member states viz. Alterity, Ecomet Refining, Eneris, Primobius, RockTech, and Tozero. 

The matchmaking event commenced with opening remarks from H.E. Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union and H.E. Mr. Herve Delphin, Ambassador to the EU Delegation to India. This was followed by remarks from Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Mr. Marc Lemaitre, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission.

Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India said:

“This Matchmaking event today brings together the best talents and technologies in the battery recycling space on both the sides, giving them an exclusive platform for exchange, networking and prospective investments. We believe that the exchange trip, awarded to three Indian and three EU start-ups, to visit EV battery recycling facilities on either side would be highly beneficial. It will enhance their insights and access to the EV landscape and ecosystems in both regions”.

Mr. Marc Lemaitre, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, emphasised the importance of an innovation led EU India partnership.

“Every step towards advanced battery recycling is a significant carbon-win for our environment. This matchmaking event is such a step by bringing together innovative startups from both regions that want to scale up green solutions under the umbrella of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council”.

As a next step, three start-ups each from the EU and India will be awarded the opportunity to visit the India and EU, respectively for a week-long market immersion experience. During their visit, the three selected companies will be able to engage directly with interested stakeholders, explore potential collaborations, and gain insights into the local market landscape. This visit presents prospects of establishing pilot projects, commercial opportunities, and/or co-development initiatives.     

About the Trade and Technology Council set up by India and the EU

The EU-India Trade and Technology (TTC) was first announced by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in April., 2022. Established on 6 February 2023, this strategic coordination mechanism allows both sides to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology, security and deepens cooperation in these fields. Establishing EU- India TTC is a key step towards a strengthened strategic partnership for the benefit of all people in the EU and India.

The TTC is a key forum to deepen the strategic partnership on trade and technology between the two partners. Geostrategic challenges have reinforced the EU and India’s common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development based on shared values.

The TTC will help increase EU-India bilateral trade, which is at historical highs, with 120 billion euros worth of goods traded in 2022. In 2022, 17 billion euros of digital products and services were traded. 

The TTC consists of three Working Groups:

1. Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity.
2. Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies; and
3. Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains.

Working Groups are now jointly working to advance identified objectives and key actions. The matchmaking event launched today is one of the keys agreed short-term actions under Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies. The EU- India TTC Working Group 2 on green and clean energy technologies is being co-chaired from the Indian side by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and from the EU side by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

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International cooperation with India