Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Pune Startup Hydrovert Energy Aims to Transform Urban Mobility with Hydrogen Powertrains
Hydrovert Energy is a startup in Pune that is working on a special kind of technology called hydrogen fuel cells.
These fuel cells can power vehicles and generators without causing pollution.
The company was started by Satyajit Phadke, who studied this technology during his PhD in the US.
He and his co-founder, Supriya Patwardhan, want to use hydrogen to make Indian cities cleaner.
They are testing their technology on cargo three-wheelers and generators.
The company has support from various government agencies and is working on getting their products certified for use on Indian roads.
They believe that using hydrogen can help reduce garbage and air pollution in cities.
Hydrovert Energy, co-founded by Satyajit Phadke and Supriya Patwardhan, is developing hydrogen fuel cell powertrains and generators to replace polluting diesel and CNG engines.
The company is incubated at Venture Centre, an initiative of the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune, and is supported by various government agencies.
Hydrovert's 10-kilowatt hydrogen powertrain is being tested on a cargo three-wheeler, a common vehicle for last-mile deliveries in Indian cities.
The startup has also developed a hydrogen-powered generator set designed to replace diesel gensets, which are restricted in urban areas due to pollution.
Hydrovert is working with the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) and the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) to develop certification standards and explore pilot deployments for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
- Who
- Hydrovert Energy, co-founded by Satyajit Phadke and Supriya Patwardhan
- What
- Development of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains and generators for urban mobility and power generation
- When
- Incorporated in 2021, with ongoing testing and certification
- Where
- Pune, India, operating from the NCL campus
- Why
- To replace polluting diesel and CNG engines with zero-emission alternatives
- Founder
- Satyajit Phadke
- Co-founder
- Supriya Patwardhan
- Incorporation Year
- 2021
- Location
- Pune, India
- Technology
- Hydrogen fuel cell powertrains and generators
- Key Market
- Cargo mobility and diesel genset replacement
- Testing Site
- NCL Innovation Park, Pune
- Supporting Agencies
- Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), NCL, CIRT, Department of Science and Technology, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, UNIDO