About RISE-TN

Under the RISE–TN initiative, WRI India, in collaboration with FaMe TN, industry associations, and experts, is supporting MSMEs in Chennai and Coimbatore to adopt practical solutions for sustainable operations and navigate the transition to EV manufacturing. The initiative combines research, capacity building, and skills development to empower MSMEs and workers to overcome barriers such as technology gaps, financing constraints, limited scheme awareness and skill shortages, while enhancing climate resilience and aligning with Tamil Nadu’s economic vision. Read more about the RISE-TN launch.

Empower MSME Program

The Empower MSMEs Skilling Program was launched in Coimbatore on August 12, 2024, with over 70 participants from 60+ MSMEs. This initiative marked the beginning of a two-year skilling program designed to equip MSMEs in the automotive sector with the necessary expertise to navigate the transition to EV manufacturing and sustainability. The program focuses on industry-leading practices in resource and energy efficiency, green finance, and the shift from ICEVs to EVs, ensuring that MSMEs build resilience against climate change impacts and remain competitive in the evolving global market.
LinkedIn Summary

Empower-MSME-Launch

Tamil Nadu Climate Summit

WRI India participated in the Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 3.0 which brought together changemakers from the government, industry, and civil society to accelerate climate action in the state. Our exhibition at the Climate Summit showcased the organization’s work in Tamil Nadu under the RISE initiative and drew 100+ visitors from research organizations, government bodies, MSMEs, NGOs and students.
LinkedIn Summary

TN-Climate-Summit

Workshops and Trainings

Preparing Automotive MSMEs for a Just and Low-Carbon Transition

WRI India and FaMe TN conducted skilling programs offering structured, practical, hands-on training for MSMEs and workers at all organizational levels, including senior management, mid-management, and both white- and blue-collar workers. The aim was to equip a broader base of MSMEs with the skills and expertise needed to explore various components in the EV manufacturing sector.

Energy Efficiency Training for MSME Workers using VR Tool

WRI hosted a virtual reality workshop on energy efficiency in Coimbatore's automotive hub. Leveraging digital twin technology, the session enabled participants to pinpoint energy-saving potential within industrial settings.

VR-Training

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) for MSMEs

WRI India conducted training sessions on the principles of ESG for MSMEs in Chennai and Coimbatore. Topics included ESG data collection, disclosure principles and ethics, key frameworks (GRI, BRSR, BRSR Core – Value Chain1), and introduction to greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting. We also conducted ESG readiness surveys and a GHG accounting workshop to introduce concepts such as accounting frameworks, Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, SBTi, Net Zero and decarbonization.

ESG-for-MSME-RISE-TN

Workshop with Ashok Leyland

WRI India organized a workshop with a cohort of suppliers to Ashok Leyland, comprising 9 machining and forging units and 18 participants from these enterprises. An introductory presentation on the initiative by the WRI India team was followed by an interactive session on the impacts of climate-related events on the participating MSMEs.

Market Opportunities and Strategies for MSMEs Engaged in Component Manufacturing for EVs

The workshop facilitated discussions around various opportunities available in the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry for MSMEs and strategies around market entry and growth in the sector. Over 60 participants from 50 automotive MSMEs in Coimbatore participated in the workshop which was organized in association with FaMe Tamil Nadu, CODISSIA, Laghu Udyog Bharati, IIF-Coimbatore, SIEMA, and SITARC. LinkedIn Summary

Resource Efficiency for MSMEs: MFCA and Lean Manufacturing

WRI India, the National Productivity Council of India, and Krysalis Consultancy Services organized a resource efficiency and lean management training program for Chennai’s auto components manufacturing MSMEs. The training program saw 25 such MSMEs participate in classroom and hands-on activity-based sessions to learn Material Cost Flow Accounting and waste management, lean manufacturing principles & best practices, and steps to avail the lean manufacturing scheme the Government of India offers. LinkedIn Summary

Resource-Efficiency-RISE-TN

Other Trainings

WRI India has also conducted various training sessions and workshops for MSMEs focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, lean manufacturing, motor validation, controller integration, and quality assurance plans for brushless DC motors. These initiatives aim to facilitate a sustainable and equitable transition to a low-carbon future and to develop a workforce that is prepared for the challenges ahead.

RISE-TN Launch

On 27 October 2023, WRI India officially launched RISE-TN in the presence of MSME representatives, associations, skilling agencies, financial institutions, thought leaders, civil society organizations, and experts. View press release.

Additional Resources