Climate, Energy & EV Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — August 2026
India has 10 active startup grants and programs for climate, energy, and EV ventures. Learn about funding amounts, deadlines, and eligibility for programs like Bharat ClimateTech, PLI Auto, and Maruti Suzuki NURTURE.
As of August 2026, 10 active grants, incubation programs, and competitions in India are accepting applications from climate, energy, and electric vehicle (EV) startups. These range from government production-linked incentives to university research grants and corporate-led challenges.
The funding landscape for climate, energy, and EV in India combines central schemes like the PLI for automobiles with targeted initiatives such as the Bharat ClimateTech Initiative and IIMA Ventures–MUFG partnership. Corporates including Maruti Suzuki, Bosch, and Capgemini also run competitions. Most programs accept applications year-round; a few, like the Open Challenge Program 8.0, have fixed deadlines.
Active Climate, Energy & EV Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program | Incubation | Rolling | Varies |
| Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹2,20,000 |
| PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹6,485 crore |
| Bharat ClimateTech Initiative | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹40,00,000 |
| Andhra University AUCIIG | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹5,00,000 |
| Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹13,00,000 |
| Indian Innovation Icons 2027 | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
| Open Challenge Program 8.0 | Competition | 9 Aug 2026 | Up to ₹25,00,000 |
| BOSCH – BMU Innovation Challenge | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
| Capgemini BharatCares ISGBB | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program (NASSCOM)
The Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program is a virtual, pipeline-based incubation model from NASSCOM for early-stage deep-tech startups. It is designed for ventures with long gestation periods working on advanced technologies. The program accepts applications throughout the year instead of fixed cohorts, enabling startups to join when ready.
Climate, energy, and EV startups developing deep-tech solutions such as new materials, AI-driven energy systems, or EV components are eligible. The program focuses on strengthening technology and IP capabilities while offering market and investor access. No specific funding amount is disclosed; support is structured around incubation services.
Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program (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, supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. It targets deep-tech solutions that address societal or climate problems and contribute to India's Sustainable Development Goals. The program is designed for prototypes at TRL 3 that need to become market-ready products.
Selected startups receive milestone-based grant funding of up to ₹2,20,000. The grant is released as milestones are met, tracking progress from prototype to validated pilot. Climate, energy, and EV startups with a working lab model are the primary fit. The emphasis on closing the "transition gap" makes it suitable for early-stage ventures with proven technical concepts.
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 initiative from the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India. It offers financial incentives to eligible automobile and auto component manufacturers for producing advanced automotive technology products. The scheme aims to overcome cost disadvantages and build economies of scale in domestic manufacturing.
For climate, energy, and EV startups, this is relevant if they are manufacturing advanced components such as EV powertrains, batteries, or electronics. The incentive amount can reach up to ₹6,485 crore, though the exact outlay per company is determined by government criteria. The scheme is rolling; interested manufacturers must meet eligibility thresholds set by the ministry. It is not a pre-revenue startup grant but a production-linked incentive.
Bharat ClimateTech Initiative (IIMA Ventures)
The Bharat ClimateTech Initiative is a joint effort of IIMA Ventures and MUFG. It will support up to eight early-stage climate-tech and sustainability startups, offering grant funding and business support. The initiative targets measurable outcomes, including reducing a million kg of CO₂ emissions and saving 10 million litres of water.
Selected startups receive grant funding of up to ₹40,00,000. The program is designed for ventures building real-world solutions in climate-tech and sustainability, covering energy, water, agriculture, and related areas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This is a direct fit for climate-focused startups at the innovation-to-impact scaling stage.
Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (Andhra University)
The Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) is a RUSA 2.0 initiative offering grants of up to ₹5,00,000 per project. It is designed to accelerate research, prototyping, and startup ideas emerging from within the Andhra University ecosystem. The program marks the university's centenary and covers a broad range of fields, including green energy, AI, materials science, and social impact.
The grant is non-dilutive and acts as an on-ramp from lab or classroom to a market-facing venture. Climate, energy, and EV projects originating from AU students, faculty, or researchers are eligible. The key restriction is that the project must be rooted in the AU ecosystem. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)
The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative run jointly with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. It focuses on early-stage startups in eastern, north-eastern, and central India, though startups offering services anywhere in India are welcome to apply. The program targets domains such as mobility convenience, EV and EV infrastructure, sustainability, social impact, and enterprise automation.
Participants compete for cash rewards worth ₹13,00,000, a paid proof-of-concept opportunity, mentorship, and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem. EV infrastructure and sustainability startups are directly aligned with the focus areas. Applications are rolling, but cohort-based selection means startups should apply early for the next batch.
Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)
The Indian Innovation Icons 2027 is a biennial program by Marico Innovation Foundation, now in its 11th edition. It identifies and amplifies innovations tackling significant real-world challenges. Both for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations can apply.
Selected innovators receive strategic mentorship, investor access, business connections, and national visibility. The program does not offer a fixed cash grant; support is ecosystem-based. Climate, energy, and EV startups with measurable impact are strong candidates. The application window for the 2027 edition is open on a rolling basis.
Open Challenge Program 8.0 (Electropreneur Park Bhubaneswar)
The Open Challenge Program (OCP) 8.0 by Electropreneur Park Bhubaneswar is a flagship initiative for the Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. It is established by STPI with support from MeitY, Government of India, and the Government of Odisha. The program targets startups developing solutions in semiconductor design, AI, IoT, robotics, embedded systems, smart cities, AgriTech, DisasterTech, PCB design, and computer vision.
Selected ventures receive support towards building high-potential products. The total support can be up to ₹25,00,000. The deadline for applications is 9 August 2026. Climate, energy, and EV startups working on sensor systems, smart grids, or EV electronics fit the program's scope. This is a competition, so startups compete for selection.
BOSCH – BMU Innovation Challenge (ACIC-BMU Foundation)
The BOSCH – BMU Innovation Challenge is a corporate innovation competition run by ACIC-BMU Foundation in partnership with Bosch India. It seeks innovators and researchers developing solutions for sustainable mobility, including electrification, synthetic fuels, connectivity, and road safety. The program aims to reduce environmental impact and improve inclusive mobility for diverse user groups.
Focus areas include, but are not limited to, connectivity, clean technologies, electrification, brake systems, and mobility solutions for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and women. The program does not disclose a fixed prize amount, but offers support through the competition process. Climate, energy, and EV startups with mobility-related solutions are eligible. Applications are rolling.
Capgemini BharatCares ISGBB (Capgemini)
The Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) is a multi-state initiative powered by Capgemini and implemented by BharatCares in collaboration with SRF Foundation. It creates structured partnerships between innovators, academic institutions, ecosystem partners, and community groups to build solutions grounded in local needs.
The program supports social-impact ventures, including those addressing climate, energy, and environmental challenges. Specific funding amounts are not disclosed; support is provided through the collaboration ecosystem. ISGBB is open to innovators and organizations working across India. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Before Applying
Before applying, check eligibility constraints. The Andhra University AUCIIG is limited to projects originating from the Andhra University ecosystem. The PLI Auto Components scheme requires an existing manufacturing base; it is not for pre-revenue prototypes. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE gives preference to startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India.
On timing, OCP 8.0 has the nearest deadline: 9 August 2026. All other programs accept applications year-round, though Bharat ClimateTech Initiative and Maruti Suzuki NURTURE run cohort-based selection, so early application is advisable. Review the specific technology focus and revenue stage for each program before applying.
