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

As of July 2026, there are 10 active grants, incubation programs, and competitions specifically open to Climate, Energy & EV startups in India. These range from government-backed schemes to corporate initiatives and global pitching competitions.

The funding landscape for Climate, Energy & EV in India is diverse, with support from institutions like DBT, MeitY, and IIMs, as well as corporate players like Maruti Suzuki and MUFG. Programs target different stages, from deep science validation (TRL 2-3) to market-ready pilots.

Active Climate, Energy & EV Grants and Programs

Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 (IKP Knowledge Park)

Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 is a 12-month venture-building program for deep science startups at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2–3. Hosted by IKP Knowledge Park, it provides equity-free grant funding up to ₹30 lakh along with hands-on support from IKP's in-house experts. The program targets founders translating laboratory research into commercial ventures, with a focus on climate, energy, and sustainability.

Selected startups receive structured mentoring, access to lab facilities, and help with IP strategy. The deadline for applications is 31 July 2026. Climate and energy startups working on breakthrough technologies in solar, biofuels, energy storage, or carbon capture are well-suited for this program.

Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program by AIC-IIITH Foundation (AIC-IIITH Foundation)

The Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program is a 4-6 month acceleration program run by AIC-IIITH Foundation in partnership with Coherent Corp. It offers milestone-based grant support up to ₹2.2 lakh for startups bridging the gap between lab prototype (TRL 3) and market-ready product. The program focuses on deep-tech solutions addressing climate or social problems in line with India's SDGs.

Climate and energy startups developing hardware or software solutions in renewable energy, water, or waste management can apply. The grant is released against agreed milestones, ensuring funding tracks progress. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Bharat ClimateTech Initiative (IIMA Ventures)

The Bharat ClimateTech Initiative is a joint effort by IIMA Ventures and MUFG to support early-stage climate-tech startups. It offers grant funding up to ₹40 lakh and tailored business support to up to eight startups. Target outcomes include reducing 1 million kg of CO₂ emissions and saving 10 million litres of water.

This initiative is open to startups building solutions in climate-tech and sustainability, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Startups should demonstrate potential for measurable environmental impact.

Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 (Andhra University)

The Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant provides up to ₹5 lakh per project for research, prototyping, and startup ideas from the AU ecosystem. It supports a broad range of areas including green energy, EVs, robotics, and IoT. The grant is non-dilutive and designed as an on-ramp from lab or classroom to market.

Climate and energy startups originating from Andhra University students, faculty, or alumni can apply. The program includes mentorship, validation support, and help with prototype-to-product transition. Rolling applications.

Next Bharat Residency Program (Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited)

The Next Bharat Residency Program is a Suzuki initiative offering equity-based funding up to ₹5 crore for impact startups serving India's informal urban and rural economies. The program runs over 3 months in hybrid format, with intensive in-person sessions in Bengaluru and virtual engagement.

Climate and energy startups targeting rural or semi-urban markets—such as off-grid solar, clean cooking, or efficient irrigation—are a fit. The program provides capital and a stipend. Applications are rolling.

SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore (Enterprise Singapore)

SLINGSHOT 2026 is Asia's leading deep tech pitching competition with a grant prize pool over ₹15.84 crore. The Environment, Energy & Sustainability category is directly relevant for Climate, Energy & EV startups. Prizes range from ₹57.6 lakh for top 10 global startups to ₹2.88 crore for the grand winner.

The competition requires registration by 30 June 2026; the deadline for applications is 27 July 2026. Startups must be deep tech and at least at prototype stage. The top 50 get a sponsored trip to Singapore for finals.

Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur (NERVE CoE, Nagpur)

The Open Challenge Program at NERVE CoE is a MeitY-backed 18-month program offering seed funding up to ₹50 lakh, GPU infrastructure, and mentoring for AI and deep tech startups. It covers sectors including energy, mining, and agriculture.

Climate and energy startups leveraging AI for grid management, predictive maintenance, or resource optimization can apply. The deadline is 15 July 2026. Benefits include patent filing assistance and investor introductions.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative offering cash rewards up to ₹13 lakh and a paid PoC opportunity. Focus domains include EV and EV infrastructure, sustainability, and mobility technology.

Startups working on EV charging, battery management, or sustainable materials are encouraged to apply. Preference for startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India, but open to all. Rolling applications.

Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)

The Indian Innovation Icons program is a biennial platform for innovations tackling significant real-world challenges. It provides strategic mentorship, investor access, and national visibility, but no fixed grant amount (varies per startup).

Climate and energy startups with scalable solutions can apply. The program is open to both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Rolling applications.

D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge (Department of Biotechnology)

The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is a government competition under the BioE3 policy framework. It awards ₹1 lakh monthly to top 10 concept proposals, with a total potential of up to ₹25 lakh per winner over 12 months. The theme is biotechnology for economy, environment, and employment.

Climate and energy startups working on bio-based solutions—such as biofuels, bioplastics, or carbon sequestration—can apply. Rolling monthly submissions until 31 October 2026.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. Genesis by IKP requires startups at TRL 2–3 and deep science focus. AUCIIG is restricted to startups from Andhra University's ecosystem. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE gives preference to eastern/north-eastern/central India but is open to all. Next Bharat is equity-based, not grant. For DBT's DESIGN challenge, applicants must be students or researchers under 35. Ensure your startup matches the technology readiness level and geographic or institutional criteria before applying.

Urgency: NERVE OCP closes on 15 July 2026, just days away. SLINGSHOT and Genesis close later in July. Programs with rolling deadlines may process applications faster earlier in the cycle. For cohort-based programs like Genesis, spaces are limited. Check each program's page for detailed eligibility and documentation requirements.