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

As of September 2026, 10 distinct programs are actively supporting Climate, Energy, and Electric Vehicle (EV) startups across India. These opportunities encompass a range of support mechanisms, including direct grant funding, seed investments, structured incubation programs, and competitive challenges.

The funding landscape for this sector in India is characterized by a mix of government-backed initiatives, institution-led programs, and venture capital investments. Government agencies like the Technology Development Board and the Department of Biotechnology drive research and innovation, while entities like IIMA Ventures and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park foster early-stage growth. Several private accelerators also contribute seed capital and strategic guidance.

Active Climate, Energy & EV Grants and Programs

Technology Development Board (TDB) India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026 (TDB)

The Technology Development Board (TDB) India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026 aims to strengthen technological ties and foster bilateral R&D partnerships between India and Finland. This initiative supports market-driven projects focused on developing new products, processes, or enhanced services with global commercialization potential. Indian entities can secure grant funding up to ₹2.5 crore per project.

Funding for Indian partners is capped at 50% of the total Indian project cost. Disbursement occurs on a reimbursement basis for expenses already incurred. This mechanism supports high-potential projects, including those in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, or advanced materials relevant to climate and energy sectors. Applications for this call close on 30 September 2026.

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 framework. Driven by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), BIRAC, and BRIC-ILS, it targets young students and researchers across India with the theme "Empowering Youth to Solve Critical Issues of their TIMES." The challenge seeks innovative, sustainable, and scalable biotechnological solutions.

Round 1 awards a cash appreciation grant of ₹1 lakh to the top 10 concept proposal winners each month, potentially reaching up to 120 winners over 12 months. Winners receive mentorship from DBT-BIRAC and access to institutions and incubators. Submissions for this challenge are accepted monthly, with the final deadline for entries on 31 October 2026.

Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026 (EarthON Foundation)

The Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026, an initiative by EarthON Foundation, collaborates with Greenovation Hub and SwitchON Foundation. It identifies, supports, and scales innovations that advance circularity across critical waste streams in India, including plastic, textile, and food waste. The program offers up to ₹4 crore in support.

The challenge focuses on three core action pillars: plastic circularity (recovery, reuse, recycling solutions), textile circularity (innovative materials, recycling technologies), and food waste circularity (reduction, recovery, valorization approaches). It targets startups, SMEs, and social enterprises with impactful solutions. The final deadline for applications is 31 October 2026.

Electropreneur Park OCP 3.0 Delhi (Electropreneur Park)

The Electropreneur Park OCP 3.0 Delhi is an Open Challenge Program empowering startups in the Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) domain across India. It provides opportunities to solve real-world problems through innovative solutions, offering seed funding, expert mentoring, and support for training, marketing, and patenting activities.

Participants gain access to Electropreneur Park's Centers of Excellence (CoE) labs, specialized tools, and advanced incubation facilities. The program is particularly relevant for startups developing electronics components and systems for the EV and energy sectors. Applications must be submitted by 6 October 2026.

Bharat ClimateTech Initiative (IIMA Ventures)

The Bharat ClimateTech Initiative, a joint effort by IIMA Ventures and MUFG, addresses climate change by empowering solutions for Net Zero transition and adaptation. It supports startups building real-world solutions in Climate-tech and Sustainability, aiming for outcomes such as reducing a million kg of CO₂ emissions and saving 10 million liters of water.

The initiative provides up to ₹40 lakh in catalytic capital and tailored business support to help early-stage entrepreneurs scale their innovations. It plans to support up to eight promising startups. The program operates on a rolling application basis, accepting applications continuously.

Katapult Ocean Accelerator (Katapult Ocean)

Katapult Ocean operates as an Oslo-based accelerator and early-stage investor dedicated to the blue economy. The Katapult Ocean Accelerator identifies, invests in, and accelerates innovative startups globally that develop technologies to protect and restore ocean health. The program provides up to ₹4.5 crore in investment.

The accelerator targets entrepreneurs creating solutions in areas such as maritime decarbonization and green shipping, ocean renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture and food systems, advanced ocean data analytics, marine restoration, and circular economy solutions for ocean resources. Katapult Ocean accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

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

The program's focus domains include Tech in Mobility (ADAS, V2X, EV & EV infrastructure, autonomous mobility) and Sustainability (eco-friendly packaging, sustainable fuels, plastic alternatives). Benefits include cash rewards worth ₹13 lakh, opportunities for paid Proof of Concept (PoC), mentorship, and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (KBITS)

The Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy offers support for incubated startups officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell. Managed by the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), this program aims to alleviate financial expenditures associated with securing intellectual property rights, providing up to ₹10 lakh in reimbursement.

This policy is designed to help technology-driven ventures in Karnataka protect their innovations and maintain a competitive edge. Startups in the Climate, Energy & EV sectors that meet the registration and incubation criteria in Karnataka can leverage this program for their IP protection needs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

SOSV Deep Tech Accelerator Program (SOSV SF & SOSV NY) (SOSV)

SOSV is a global venture capital firm offering pre-seed and early-stage investment to deep technology startups. The SOSV Deep Tech Accelerator Program (SOSV SF & SOSV NY) has expanded its focus beyond pure biology to encompass the entire deep tech spectrum, including AI, energy, materials, chemistry, plasma, and physics. It provides up to ₹4.56 crore in investment.

SOSV has a track record, with its graduates raising significant capital since 2015, establishing its reputation in health and climate innovation. The firm seeks startups leveraging advanced scientific and engineering discoveries to address global challenges. SOSV operates on a rolling application basis.

Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)

The Indian Innovation Icons 2027 program, orchestrated by the Marico Innovation Foundation, is a biennial platform supporting groundbreaking innovations. Now in its 11th edition, it identifies and amplifies innovators who are tackling significant real-world challenges. While not exclusively climate-focused, it is open to innovations across various sectors, including Climate, Energy, and EV.

The program provides a support ecosystem including strategic mentorship, investor access, business connections, and national visibility. It welcomes applications from both for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Marico Innovation Foundation accepts applications for this program on a rolling basis.

Before Applying

Before applying to these Climate, Energy & EV programs, startups should verify specific eligibility criteria. For instance, the Patent Reimbursement Incentives require official registration with the Karnataka Startup Cell and incubation in the state. The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE program, while open to services nationwide, primarily focuses its outreach on eastern, north-eastern, and central India. The Technology Development Board's India-Finland Joint Innovation Call necessitates an Indian entity partnering with a Finnish counterpart, with funding capped at 50% of the Indian project cost and disbursed as reimbursement for incurred expenses.

Timelines are a key consideration for applicants. Programs with immediate deadlines include the Technology Development Board's India-Finland Joint Innovation Call, closing on 30 September 2026, and Electropreneur Park OCP 3.0 Delhi, which closes on 6 October 2026. The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge and Greenovation Circularity Challenge have final submission deadlines on 31 October 2026. Conversely, initiatives like the Bharat ClimateTech Initiative, Katapult Ocean Accelerator, Maruti Suzuki NURTURE, Patent Reimbursement Incentives, SOSV Deep Tech Accelerator, and Indian Innovation Icons operate with rolling applications, allowing continuous submissions but often implying ongoing competitive intake processes.