Biography of Swapnil Jain: Founder & CTO of Ather Energy- Indian Entrepreneur
Biography of Swapnil Jain:
Early Interests
Swapnil Jain, an Engineering
Design graduate from IIT Madras, is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
of Ather Energy. His journey into the world of technology and innovation began
with an early fascination with science. Growing up in Mumbai, Swapnil was one
of the few in his family interested in science and technology. Despite a lack
of engineering discussions at home, his curiosity and enthusiasm led him to
huge success.
Educational Foundation at IIT
Madras
Swapnil’s strong foundation in
engineering was laid at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where
he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Engineering Design
between 2007 and 2012. During his time at IIT Madras, he was actively involved
in various activities and societies, including Formula SAE, Stirling Engine
projects, and the hockey team. These experiences not only honed his technical
skills but also fostered his ability to work in teams, a skill that has been
crucial in his role at Ather Energy.
Innovative Project at BHEL
Swapnil's journey in engineering
innovation started during his internship at BHEL in Chennai from January to
June 2011. There, he designed and fabricated a unique test rig to simulate
accelerated boiler slag deposition. This project involved concept creation,
simulations, and prototyping, leading to a practical tool that helped BHEL
evaluate various boiler coatings. The hands-on experience in designing and
testing taught Swapnil the importance of detailed engineering and innovation.
Early Career and Engineering
Experience
Before Ather, Swapnil gained
valuable experience as a Post Graduate Engineering Trainee at General Motors
from August 2012 to January 2013. Based in Bengaluru, he worked on pedestrian
protection systems, which gave him insight into the automotive industry's
safety standards and innovation processes. This experience further fueled his
passion for engineering and problem-solving.
Founding Ather Energy
In 2013, Swapnil Jain co-founded
Ather Energy with Tarun Mehta, at a time when cleantech and renewable energy
were not as prevalent in mainstream conversations. Ather Energy was established
with a vision to create an electric and connected future, focusing on both
electric scooters and public charging infrastructure. Swapnil’s role involved developing
core technology and integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) into Ather’s
electric vehicles, combining software, mechanical engineering, electronics, and
algorithms.
Ather Energy: Leading with Innovation and Technology
Since co-founding Ather Energy in
February 2013, Swapnil Jain has worn many hats to meet the evolving needs of
the company. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), he focuses on defining the
engineering culture and setting the technology roadmap. His priority is to
build innovative engineering processes that accelerate the product development
lifecycle. Swapnil sees himself as the conductor of a symphony, orchestrating
different engineering domains to work seamlessly together. He is also committed
to ensuring that Ather's products always incorporate cutting-edge technology,
making them exceptional in the market.
Biography of Swapnil Jain:Founder & CTO of Ather Energy-Indian Entrepreneur/ Investor/Startup/EV Vehicles/Success story of Swapnil Jain/life storySwapnil
A Hands-On Approach
Swapnil is known for his hands-on
approach to problem-solving. He believes that attention to detail and a clear
focus on the broader goal are key to building a successful organization. At
Ather Energy, he manages both long-term technology roadmaps and day-to-day
operations, striving to create a top-notch engineering team and foster a strong
company culture.
Recognition and Achievements
Swapnil Jain, alongside Tarun
Mehta, has been recognized for his contributions to the electric vehicle
industry. They were listed on Forbes' 30 Under 30 in 2018 and the Fortune 40
Under 40 list in 2017, 2019, and 2021. This recognition highlights their
innovative approach in redefining the Indian auto industry with their electric
vehicles.
Early Career and Inspiration
Before co-founding Ather Energy,
Swapnil gained valuable experience through internships and early career roles.
In 2011, he interned with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) in Bengaluru,
where he designed and fabricated a test rig for boiler slag deposition simulation.
This project, which involved extensive simulations and prototyping, helped BHEL
in evaluating new boiler coats.
Professional Experience
Following his internship, Swapnil
joined General Motors (GM), where he worked on building chaise shields and online
pedestrian systems. Despite his success at GM, Swapnil and Tarun Mehta were
driven by a desire to create something from scratch. Their passion for IoT and
technology in the automotive industry led them to explore opportunities in the
electric vehicle sector.
Entrepreneurial Vision
Swapnil and Tarun were inspired by
pioneers like Tesla and their innovative use of technology in the automotive
industry. Recognizing a gap in the Indian market for advanced electric
vehicles, they set out to bring similar technology to India. Their
entrepreneurial vision was to leverage technology to disrupt the automotive
industry and address the need for cleaner and more efficient transportation
solutions.
Building Ather Energy
Ather Energy started with a focus
on creating a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem, including both scooters
and public charging infrastructure. Swapnil’s expertise in engineering design
and technology played a crucial role in developing Ather’s core technology and
establishing the company as a leader in the electric vehicle sector in India.
Building an Engineering Powerhouse
at Ather Energy
Swapnil Jain, a co-founder of
Ather Energy, is passionate about building a strong engineering team that is
driving the future of electric vehicles (EVs). Based in Bengaluru, India, he
has played a critical role in developing Ather into a company known for
creating some of the most well-engineered vehicles in the industry. With over
58,000 followers and numerous connections, Swapnil emphasizes the importance of
cross-domain collaboration. At Ather, experts from various fields—automotive,
electronics, software, and battery technology—come together to brainstorm and
find innovative solutions to complex problems. The goal is not just to create
vehicles but to push the boundaries of what's possible in the EV space.
Future Goals and Innovations
Swapnil’s work at Ather Energy
continues to be driven by his belief in the synergy of various technologies. He
sees the electric vehicle industry as a playground for innovation, with the
potential for significant market disruption. His ongoing efforts include
advancing technology, expanding Ather’s product offerings, and contributing to
the growth of the electric vehicle market in India.
Legacy and Impact
Swapnil Jain’s contributions to
technology and the electric vehicle industry have made a lasting impact. His
journey from an early interest in science to leading a pioneering company like
Ather Energy showcases his dedication to innovation and his belief in the
transformative power of technology. His work continues to influence the future
of transportation and inspire others in the field.
Timeline for Swapnil Jain’s story
2007-2012: Studied Engineering
Design at IIT Madras, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
January - June 2011: Interned at
BHEL, designing a test rig for boiler slag deposition.
August 2012 - January 2013: Worked
at General Motors on pedestrian protection systems.
February 2013: Co-founded Ather
Energy with Tarun Mehta.
2017-2021: Recognized in the
Fortune 40 Under 40 list and Forbes 30 Under 30.
2018-Present: Serves as CTO of
Ather Energy, driving innovation in the electric vehicle industry.
