Switch Electric, a rising clean technology startup from Kashmir, is steadily emerging as a symbol of locally built innovation with real-world impact. Founded by young engineers from the University of Kashmir, the startup is transforming everyday mobility through affordable electric solutions designed specifically for the region’s unique challenges.
The journey began when Founder and CTO Mr. Aqid Farooq Shah experimented with a DIY electric conversion kit on his personal bicycle. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into public validation. As he rode through local streets, people stopped him to inquire about its cost, performance, and availability. That spontaneous interest revealed a clear and underserved demand for affordable electric mobility in Kashmir. Recognizing this opportunity, the team formalized their efforts and built Switch Electric with a focused mission to make electric mobility accessible to everyday Kashmiris.
Instead of targeting premium buyers, Switch Electric focused on necessity riders milkmen, daily wage workers, students, shopkeepers, and farmers who already rely on bicycles for their livelihood. Rather than promoting expensive electric bicycles priced between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000, the startup introduced an affordable electric conversion kit starting at approximately ₹11,000. This practical solution enables users to upgrade their existing bicycles into electric cycles at a fraction of the cost, making sustainable mobility financially viable.
Each conversion system includes a 250W high-torque motor, throttle and pedal assist system (PAS), electronic cut-off brakes, an integrated controller, an in-house manufactured lithium-ion battery pack, and headlight and horn integration. Depending on configuration, the range varies between 20 and 60 kilometers, with customized builds extending up to 100 kilometers. All battery packs are assembled locally and equipped with advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) to ensure safety and durability. A one-year warranty further strengthens customer trust.
Kashmir’s terrain and harsh winters demand resilient engineering. Switch Electric designs its systems with sealed motors, secure battery housing, and weather-resistant electronics capable of withstanding cold temperatures and moisture. Higher power configurations are available for hilly routes and load-bearing applications. The company has already delivered more than 20 functional systems, with new adopters steadily joining. Early users report fuel savings, reduced physical strain, and improved daily productivity benefits that directly enhance earning capacity.
While expanding its e-cycle conversions, the team identified a broader opportunity in the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries across the region. With support from NewGen IEDC under the TIDE 2.0 framework at the University of Kashmir, the startup established Kashmir’s first dedicated lithium-ion battery manufacturing unit.
This strategic step reduced dependency on external suppliers, ensured complete quality control, lowered costs, and enabled expansion into battery solutions beyond electric cycles. Today, Switch Electric manufactures lithium-ion battery packs for e-load carts, electric scooters, solar storage systems, drones, and industrial applications.
The startup also received support from the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), strengthening its operational capabilities under the Government of Jammu & Kashmir’s entrepreneurship initiatives. Its achievements were formally recognized when the team was felicitated by Omar Abdullah a milestone that highlighted the growing impact of youth-driven clean-tech innovation in the region.
With a strong foundation in Srinagar and the wider Kashmir region, Switch Electric aims to scale nationally in the coming years. The founders believe that if a product can perform reliably in Kashmir’s demanding environment, expanding across India becomes a natural progression.
Switch Electric stands today not just as an electric mobility startup, but as a powerful example of local innovation shaping Kashmir’s electric future.