Energy & Climate Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India October 2026

Indian startups in the Energy & Climate sector currently have access to 10 active funding avenues, comprising a mix of grants, incubation programs, and competitions. These initiatives offer support for innovation across sustainable technologies, renewable energy, and circular economy solutions. The funding landscape for this sector in India includes significant government-backed schemes, dedicated institutional acceleration programs, and targeted innovation challenges. These structures aim to foster the development and scaling of solutions that address environmental sustainability and energy transition needs.

Active Energy & Climate Grants and Programs

Patent Reimbursement Incentives (KBITS, Government of Karnataka)

The Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy is a program by the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS) under the Government of Karnataka. It offers financial support for patent registration costs, assisting incubated startups officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell. The policy provides up to ₹10,00,000 to alleviate the expenses associated with securing intellectual property rights. This support is crucial for technology-driven ventures in Karnataka to protect their innovations and maintain a competitive edge, fostering a robust technology and startup ecosystem within the state.

Bharat ClimateTech Initiative (IIMA Ventures)

The Bharat ClimateTech Initiative by IIMA Ventures, in collaboration with MUFG, supports early-stage entrepreneurs building real-world solutions in Climate-tech and Sustainability. The program aims to drive measurable impact by empowering solutions that help vulnerable communities and industries adapt to climate change. It offers catalytic capital of up to ₹40,00,000 and tailored business support to help startups scale from innovation to impact. The initiative targets outcomes such as reducing CO₂ emissions and saving water, supporting up to eight promising ventures.

Katapult Ocean Accelerator (Katapult Ocean)

Katapult Ocean Accelerator (Investment Program) is an Oslo-based accelerator and early-stage investor focused on the blue economy. It identifies, invests in, and accelerates innovative startups globally that develop technologies to protect and restore ocean health. The program targets solutions in areas such as maritime decarbonization, green shipping, ocean renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, ocean data analytics, marine restoration, and circular economy solutions. Selected ventures can receive up to ₹4,50,00,000 in investment to foster a sustainable future for the oceans.

SOSV Deep Tech Accelerator Program (SOSV)

The SOSV Deep Tech Accelerator Program (SOSV SF & SOSV NY) provides pre-seed and early-stage investment to deep technology startups. Operating as SOSV SF and SOSV NY, the firm's focus has expanded beyond pure biology to include AI, energy, materials, chemistry, plasma, and physics. SOSV supports deep tech ventures with up to ₹4,56,50,000 in investment. The firm has a track record, with its previous IndieBio programs seeing 310 graduates raise $3.6 billion, establishing its reputation in health and climate innovation.

Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry (Ministry of Heavy Industries)

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry, spearheaded by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, bolsters domestic manufacturing capabilities. It provides financial incentives to eligible manufacturers for advanced automotive technology products, including electric vehicles and related components that contribute to energy efficiency and reduced emissions. The scheme's objective is to overcome cost disabilities for Indian manufacturers and foster economies of scale, positioning India as a competitive global manufacturing hub. It is envisioned to catalyze substantial investment in the automotive sector, offering support of up to ₹64,85,00,00,000.

D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge (Department of Biotechnology (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, BIRAC, and BRIC-ILS. It aims to inspire innovative, sustainable, and scalable biotechnological solutions from young students and researchers across India, with the theme "Empowering Youth to Solve Critical Issues of their TIMES." The challenge awards a cash appreciation grant of INR 1 lakh to the top 10 concept proposal winners each month, totaling up to ₹25,00,000 over the 12-month program. Winners receive mentorship from DBT-BIRAC, access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions, and 95 Bio-NEST incubators. The final deadline for submissions for this edition is October 31, 2026.

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 it has a focus on eastern, north-eastern, and central India, it is open to startups offering services anywhere in India. Focus domains include Sustainability (eco-friendly packaging, sustainable fuels, plastic alternatives) and Tech in Mobility (EV & EV infrastructure). The program offers cash rewards worth ₹13,00,000, opportunities for paid Proof of Concepts (PoCs), mentorship from industry experts, and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem and alumni network.

Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)

Indian Innovation Icons 2027 is a biennial program from the Marico Innovation Foundation for founders and innovators tackling real-world problems. It welcomes applications from both for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations. This program does not offer direct cash prizes or take equity. Winners receive a strategic diagnosis session with Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited, and six months of customized mentorship from Marico's senior leadership. Benefits also include introductions to venture capital firms, grant makers, corporate partners, national media visibility, executive presence coaching, and long-term strategic guidance.

Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026 (EarthON Foundation)

The Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026 is an initiative by EarthON Foundation in collaboration with Greenovation Hub and SwitchON Foundation. It identifies, supports, and scales innovations that advance circularity across critical waste streams in India, targeting startups, SMEs, and social enterprises. The challenge focuses on plastic, textile, and food waste, with solutions sought in areas like waste recovery, reuse, recycling, and the development of new circular materials and processes. The program offers up to ₹4,00,00,000 in funding and closes on October 31, 2026.

Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge (Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI))

The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge, organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), fosters innovation within India's energy sector. It supports Indian startups developing groundbreaking solutions across the entire energy value chain. Anchored in the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the challenge seeks to highlight innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability, and diversity. Participants address critical areas including renewable energy, alternative fuels, and low-carbon technologies. The program offers up to ₹3,00,000 in funding, with a submission deadline of October 15, 2026.

Before Applying

Prospective applicants should carefully review eligibility requirements specific to each program. The Karnataka Startup Policy's Patent Reimbursement Incentives are exclusively for startups registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell. The Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026 specifically targets solutions for plastic, textile, and food waste, while the Indian Innovation Icons 2027 accepts applications from both for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Pay close attention to deadlines and application processes. The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge has an immediate closing date of October 15, 2026, followed by the D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge and Greenovation Circularity Challenge, both closing on October 31, 2026. Many other programs, such as those from IIMA Ventures, Katapult Ocean, and SOSV, operate on a rolling application basis.