Climate, Energy & EV Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — August 2026
India currently has 10 open grants, incubators, and competitions for climate, energy & EV startups. This roundup covers PLI Auto, Maruti Suzuki NURTURE, Next Bharat, and more, with deadlines and funding details.
As of August 2026, 10 active grants, incubation programs, seed funds, and competitions are open to Climate, Energy & EV startups in India. These include government PLI schemes, corporate innovation challenges, university grants, and equity-based residency programs.
India's climate and EV startup funding landscape is shaped by a mix of public and private instruments. The Ministry of Heavy Industries operates the PLI scheme for auto components, while institutions like AIC-IIITH Foundation and Andhra University offer milestone-based grants. Corporate-led competitions from Maruti Suzuki, Bosch, and Capgemini provide access to industry ecosystems rather than direct funding.
Active Climate, Energy & EV Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program | Incubation | Rolling | Varies |
| Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program by AIC-IIITH Foundation | Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹2,20,000 |
| Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹6,485 crore |
| Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹5,00,000 |
| Next Bharat Residency Program | Equity | Rolling | Up to ₹5 crore |
| Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹13,00,000 |
| Indian Innovation Icons 2027 | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
| BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
| Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
| Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹1 crore |
Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program (NASSCOM)
The Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program is NASSCOM's virtual incubation initiative for early-stage deep-tech startups. It runs on a rolling, pipeline-based model, allowing startups to join when ready rather than in fixed cohorts. The program targets long-gestation ventures working on advanced technologies, including those applied to energy, climate, and EV systems.
Support includes acceleration, IP strengthening, and access to markets and investors. Startups in the Climate, Energy & EV sector can use the program to validate technology and connect with corporate and government stakeholders. The deadline is rolling.
Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program (AIC-IIITH Foundation)
The Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program by AIC-IIITH Foundation is a 4-6 month acceleration program run by AIC-IIITH Foundation in partnership with Coherent Corp and supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. It targets deep-tech solutions addressing social or climate problems and aligned with India's SDGs. Selected innovators receive up to ₹2,20,000 in grant funding, released against agreed milestones.
The program is designed for startups at TRL 3 (proof-of-concept) that need to move to a validated pilot. For climate and energy startups, this covers hardware, IoT, and clean-tech prototypes. Applications are open on a rolling basis.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry (Ministry of Heavy Industries)
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry is a flagship Ministry of Heavy Industries initiative to incentivize domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technology products. It offers financial incentives up to ₹6,485 crore, aimed at overcoming cost disabilities and building scale. The scheme is relevant to EV and clean-energy component manufacturers.
Eligible manufacturers can avail incentives for products such as EVs, hydrogen fuel cells, and advanced driver-assistance systems. While it is not a grant for startups per se, early-stage companies with manufacturing plans can participate if they meet the ministry's investment and production thresholds. The deadline is rolling.
Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) (Andhra University)
The Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 is a RUSA 2.0 initiative offering up to ₹5,00,000 per project. It supports research, prototyping, and startup ideas from the university ecosystem. Green energy, IoT, robotics, and materials science are among the eligible focus areas, making it relevant to climate and EV ventures.
Funding is non-dilutive and milestone-based. The grant is open to students, faculty, and startups connected to Andhra University. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Next Bharat Residency Program (Next Bharat Ventures IFSC)
The Next Bharat Residency Program, run by Next Bharat Ventures IFSC (a Suzuki initiative), supports impact entrepreneurs targeting India's informal urban and rural economies. It offers equity-based funding up to ₹5 crore and a living stipend. The three-month hybrid residency combines in-person sessions in Bengaluru with virtual engagement.
Founders working on climate adaptation, clean energy access, or sustainable agriculture in these markets are eligible. The program favors ventures that can scale across India 2 and India 3 segments. It runs on a rolling application basis.
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park is a pre-incubation program by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. Cohort 4 offers cash rewards worth ₹13 lakh and the opportunity for a paid proof-of-concept with Maruti Suzuki. Focus areas include EV and EV infrastructure, sustainable fuels, green packaging, and rural mobility.
The program is open to early-stage startups anywhere in India, with a stated interest in eastern, north-eastern, and central India. Selected teams receive mentorship and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem. Applications are rolling.
Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)
The Indian Innovation Icons 2027 is a biennial platform by the Marico Innovation Foundation, now in its 11th edition. It selects and supports innovations addressing significant real-world challenges. Both for-profit and not-for-profit entities can apply. In the climate and energy space, past and present cohorts include clean-tech and sustainability ventures.
Selected innovators receive strategic mentorship, investor access, and national visibility. This is not a direct funding program; the value lies in ecosystem support. Applications are open on a rolling basis.
BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge (ACIC-BMU Foundation)
The BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge is an open innovation competition run by ACIC-BMU Foundation in partnership with Bosch India. It seeks solutions for sustainable mobility, including electrification, synthetic fuels, brake systems, and inclusive mobility. The program is relevant to EV startups working on components, connectivity, and safety.
Winners receive mentorship and validation from Bosch, and potentially a pilot or collaboration opportunity. The challenge is open to innovators and researchers, with a rolling application window.
Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (Capgemini)
The Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) is a multi-state program implemented by BharatCares with Capgemini and SRF Foundation. It aims to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems by partnering with local stakeholders. Projects addressing climate resilience, clean energy, and sustainable livelihoods are within scope.
The program provides collaborative support, including access to ecosystems and potential implementation partnerships. It is not a direct grant program. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge (Greenovation Hub)
The Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge is a national platform for climate-smart agricultural innovations. It targets affordable, scalable solutions for smallholder farmers, covering mechanization, value chains, and labor mitigation. Startups, SMEs, and Farmer Producer Companies can apply.
The top solution receives up to ₹1,00,00,000 (₹1 crore) in support. The program also offers expert guidance and strategic partnerships. Applications are open on a rolling basis.
Before Applying
Eligibility varies sharply across these programs. PLI Auto Components requires manufacturing investment and production thresholds from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. AUCIIG is tied to Andhra University's ecosystem. Next Bharat targets ventures operating in India 2/3 markets, while Maruti Suzuki NURTURE prioritizes eastern, north-eastern, and central India. Startups should verify whether they meet the provider's specific criteria.
Deadlines are rolling for all 10 programs, but intake is likely cohort-based for most. Akash Coherent operates a 4-6 month fixed cycle; Maruti Suzuki NURTURE is a cohort; Indian Innovation Icons runs biennially; and Greenovation closes on a challenge timeline. Check each program's page for the next review date and expect multiple evaluation rounds.
