Climate, Energy & EV Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — September 2026

India's Climate, Energy & EV sector currently benefits from 10 active programs, providing a mix of grants, incubation support, and competitive challenges. These initiatives are designed to foster innovation and scale solutions across sustainable technologies.

The funding landscape for Climate, Energy & EV in India integrates robust government schemes, specialized institutional incubation programs, and targeted corporate innovation challenges. This structured support aims to drive technological advancements and market adoption in areas critical for India's sustainable development.

Active Climate, Energy & EV Grants and Programs

Centre of Excellence for Sustainability & Climate Action at C-CAMP (C-CAMP)

The Centre of Excellence for Sustainability & Climate Action at C-CAMP is an initiative under C-CAMP's Bio for Climate program, supported by Ashraya Hastha Trust (AHT). It functions as an integrated platform to identify, nurture, fund, mentor, deploy, and scale bio-based climate solutions.

This program focuses on innovations at the intersection of climate change with environment, healthcare, and agriculture, leveraging deep biological sciences. The goal is to address climate change root causes and mitigate its societal impacts. Focus areas include reducing greenhouse gas emissions through biotechnology, enabling climate-resilient healthcare, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The program maintains a rolling deadline for applications, with funding amounts varying based on specific needs and project scope.

Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (KBITS)

The Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy is offered by the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS) under the Government of Karnataka. This program specifically targets incubated startups officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell.

Its primary objective is to offset the financial costs associated with securing intellectual property rights, allowing technology-driven ventures in Karnataka to protect their innovations and maintain a competitive edge. Eligible startups can receive up to ₹10,00,000 in reimbursement for patent-related expenses. The application process operates on a rolling basis, providing ongoing support for eligible startups.

Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program (NASSCOM)

The Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program is a virtual incubation program by NASSCOM, designed for early-stage deeptech startups in India with long gestation periods. This initiative aims to accelerate startup growth, strengthen technological and intellectual property capabilities, and facilitate market and investor access.

The program operates on a continuous, pipeline-based model, allowing startups to engage throughout the year rather than through fixed cohorts. This flexible structure ensures support is aligned with the startup's stage of readiness. Specific funding amounts vary depending on the startup's needs and the program's intervention, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

DBDIC Incubation Cohort 2026 (DBDIC)

The DBDIC Incubation Cohort 2026 is a research-driven incubation program offered by the Dr. Bansi Dhar Incubation Centre (DBDIC) in Gurugram. The program supports startups in transforming innovative ideas and scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable solutions.

DBDIC focuses on bridging the gap between research and market readiness, catering to startups from ideation to early growth with an emphasis on deep technology validation and product development. Startups gain access to advanced laboratory and testing infrastructure, enabling rigorous validation. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, with varied support and resources provided.

GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC (888VC)

The GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC is a 12-week AI-enabled venture accelerator program. It focuses on integrating AI into daily startup operations across strategy, sales, finance, product, and fundraising, offering execution-focused support.

Each cohort comprises 12 startups receiving hands-on mentoring. Participants secure a minimum direct investment of ₹23.25 lakh, with potential for ₹46.5 lakh to ₹93 lakh for high-performing companies, and access to seed funding up to ₹4,20,00,000. Support includes Go-To-Market strategy, investor readiness, AI automation, and pitch reviews. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge (DBT)

The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is a government initiative under India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy, driven by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), BIRAC, and BRIC-ILS. It aims to inspire sustainable biotechnological solutions from young students and researchers across India.

The challenge, themed "Empowering Youth to Solve Critical Issues of their TIMES," offers monthly submissions. Round 1 awards a cash appreciation grant of ₹1 lakh to the top 10 concept proposal winners each month, totaling up to 120 winners over 12 months. Overall funding can reach up to ₹25,00,000 for advanced stages. Winners receive mentorship and access to iBRIC+ institutions and Bio-NEST incubators. The final deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) for early-stage startups. While focusing on eastern, north-eastern, and central India, it is open to startups providing services anywhere in India.

Key focus domains include Mobility Convenience/Assistance, Tech in Mobility (ADAS, V2X, EV & EV infrastructure, autonomous mobility), Sustainability (eco-friendly packaging, sustainable fuels, plastic alternatives), Social Impact, and Enterprise & Manufacturing. Benefits include cash rewards up to ₹13,00,000, opportunities for paid Proof of Concept (PoC), industry mentorship, and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem. Applications are processed on a rolling basis.

BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge (ACIC-BMU Foundation)

The BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge is a corporate innovation competition presented by ACIC-BMU Foundation (Atal Incubation Centre at BML Munjal University) in partnership with Bosch India. The program seeks to identify innovators and researchers developing solutions for sustainable mobility.

Focus areas include connectivity, synthetic fuels, clean technologies, electrification, innovative brake systems, and inclusive mobility solutions. The objective is to foster digital advancements that enhance mobility for the masses, reduce environmental impact, and improve road safety. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, with varying amounts of support available.

Scheme for Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar (GRVP) (GSInC)

The Scheme for Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar (GRVP) is an annual award by the Government of Goa, implemented through the Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC). It recognizes Goan innovators and scientists who have translated ideas into impactful products or processes.

Three awards are granted each financial year in the categories of Innovation, Environment, and Societal Impact. Each award provides a cash prize up to ₹2,00,000. Eligibility is restricted to Goan Innovators/Scientists whose innovations have been adopted or have high adoption probability within the State of Goa. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) (Capgemini)

The Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) initiative is a multi-state program by Capgemini, implemented by BharatCares in collaboration with SRF Foundation. It aims to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems across India by fostering collaboration among innovators, academic institutions, ecosystem partners, and community groups.

ISGBB is committed to driving tangible social impact by ensuring solutions are rooted in community needs. The program supports innovations that align with its social good objectives, though specific funding amounts vary based on the nature and scale of the project. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Before Applying

Eligibility criteria vary significantly across these programs. The Karnataka Patent Reimbursement Incentives require startups to be officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell and incubated. Similarly, the Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar is exclusively for Goan Innovators/Scientists whose work benefits the State of Goa. The Centre of Excellence for Sustainability & Climate Action at C-CAMP targets bio-based climate solutions, while the D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is aimed at young students and researchers.

Regarding deadlines and processes, most programs listed, including those from C-CAMP, NASSCOM, DBDIC, 888VC, Maruti Suzuki, BOSCH-BMU, Goa Rajya, and Capgemini, operate with rolling deadlines, allowing for continuous applications. However, the D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge has a specific closing date of 31 October 2026. The GRO8 Cohort by 888VC is structured into cohorts, despite a rolling application period, indicating a fixed capacity per intake.