Govt Energy Platform to Back 30 Deep-Tech Startups in India
MC²+ Ignite launches to support around 30 energy deep-tech startups with funding of up to ₹2 crore each, along with R&D infrastructure, mentoring and pilot opportunities to accelerate technologies from laboratories to commercial deployment.
MC²+, the energy innovation platform operating under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has launched MC²+ Ignite, a sector-focused accelerator programme aimed at supporting around 30 deep-tech startups working on energy and industrial technologies. Selected startups will receive milestone-linked convertible funding of up to ₹2 crore each.
The programme is designed to help startups move beyond laboratory research and technology development towards industrial pilot projects and commercial deployment. Along with funding, participating ventures will gain access to research and development infrastructure, technical expertise, industry mentors, pilot opportunities and potential commercialisation pathways through participating energy companies.
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Applications for the first MC²+ Ignite cohort are open until August 31, 2026, while the selected startups are scheduled to be announced on September 15. The initiative seeks to address one of the key challenges faced by deep-tech companies: converting technically viable innovations into solutions that can be tested and adopted in real industrial environments.
MC²+ operates as a Section 8 not-for-profit energy innovation platform led by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and supported by India’s energy majors. The platform brings together startups, research institutions and energy companies to address industry-specific challenges and accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies.
Under the programme, MC²+ Ignite will operate through a hub in Delhi and nodes located within the research and development centres of participating oil and gas companies. This structure is intended to give startups closer access to industrial environments and pilot sites where their technologies can be validated under practical operating conditions.
The platform has also partnered with institutions including IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP and Venture Centre in Pune. These partnerships are expected to provide participating startups with access to laboratories, technical infrastructure and specialised mentoring.
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Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Chairman of MC² Foundation, said the platform aims to reduce duplication in energy sector research while creating stronger links between industry requirements, scientific institutions and startups. He also emphasised the importance of developing Indian energy technologies with global markets in mind.
With funding, technical support and direct access to industrial pilot opportunities, MC²+ Ignite seeks to create a stronger pathway for energy deep-tech innovations to progress from research and validation to commercial adoption.
