The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has asked local startups and industry houses to bid for transfer of its lithium ion cells technology as it looks to encourage making these energy-efficient batteries locally and help reduce imports.

The space agency floated a so-called request for qualification on Tuesday, promising to transfer the technology for lithium ion batteries built for powering satellites for Rs 1 crore, for sucessfull bidders. The transfer of technology, it hopes will spur the development of indigenous electric vehicle industry.

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), located in Kerala…