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

As of September 2026, ten active programs are available to Climate, Energy, and Electric Vehicle (EV) startups in India. These opportunities span grants, seed investments, incubation programs, and innovation challenges.

The funding landscape for Climate, Energy & EV startups in India features a mix of government-backed initiatives, institutional accelerator programs, and targeted competitions. These programs aim to provide capital and strategic support to ventures addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable technologies.

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Active Climate, Energy & EV Grants and Programs

Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (KBITS, Government of Karnataka)

The Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), a Government of Karnataka agency, offers Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy. This program supports incubated startups officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell.

Its primary goal is to offset the financial expenditures associated with securing intellectual property rights. Startups in Karnataka can receive up to ₹10,00,000 for patent-related costs. This initiative provides strategic support for technology-driven ventures within the state to protect their innovations and maintain a competitive advantage.

Bharat ClimateTech Initiative (IIMA Ventures)

IIMA Ventures and MUFG collaborate on the Bharat ClimateTech Initiative, designed to empower solutions that accelerate the transition to Net Zero and help communities adapt to climate change. The initiative focuses on supporting startups building real-world solutions in Climate-tech and Sustainability.

The program targets measurable impact, aiming to reduce a million kg of CO₂ emissions and save 10 million litres of water. It supports up to eight promising early-stage entrepreneurs with catalytic capital of up to ₹40,00,000 and tailored business support to scale their innovations.

Katapult Ocean Accelerator (Katapult Ocean)

Katapult Ocean, an accelerator and early-stage investor based in Oslo, is dedicated to the blue economy. The Katapult Ocean Accelerator (Investment Program) identifies, invests in, and accelerates global startups developing technologies to protect and restore ocean health. The program offers up to ₹4,50,00,000 in investment.

It targets entrepreneurs working across maritime decarbonization, green shipping, ocean renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, ocean data analytics, biodiversity and marine restoration, and circular economy solutions. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable future for marine ecosystems.

SOSV Deep Tech Accelerator Program (SOSV)

SOSV is a global venture capital firm providing pre-seed and early-stage investment to deep technology startups. The SOSV Deep Tech Accelerator Program (SOSV SF & SOSV NY) has expanded its focus to encompass the entire deep tech spectrum, including AI, energy, materials, chemistry, plasma, and physics. The program provides up to ₹4,56,50,000 in investment.

With a proven track record, SOSV's programs have supported graduates who collectively raised billions, establishing the firm as a significant investor in health and climate technologies. It offers a structured acceleration environment for impactful deep tech ventures.

Unnati Se Pragati — Startup Acceleration (UNNATI AI 2.0) (FITT, IIT Delhi)

FITT, IIT Delhi, with support from Microsoft's CSR program (Microsoft Elevate), leads the Unnati Se Pragati — Startup Acceleration (UNNATI AI 2.0) initiative. This program focuses on transforming AI innovation into societal impact, including solutions relevant to environmental and energy efficiency.

The Startup Acceleration track offers zero-equity grant support of up to ₹30,00,000 for AI startups with validated local pilots. Selected startups gain access to institutional funding pathways, the IIT Delhi and Microsoft ecosystems, expert market validation, and Demo Days. Applications for Cohort 2 close on 30 September 2026.

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

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), BIRAC, and BRIC-ILS drive the D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge under India's BioE3 policy. This initiative encourages students and researchers across India to develop innovative, sustainable biotechnological solutions for critical contemporary issues, including environmental challenges.

The challenge offers a cash appreciation grant of ₹1,00,000 to the top 10 concept proposal winners each month, totaling up to 120 winners over 12 months. Winners also receive mentorship from DBT-BIRAC and access to a network of iBRIC+ institutions and Bio-NEST incubators. The final submission period for this challenge closes on 31 October 2026.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) jointly present Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4. This pre-incubation initiative supports early-stage startups, particularly focusing on eastern, north-eastern, and central India, though open to startups nationwide.

The program targets several domains, including Tech in Mobility (ADAS, V2X, EV & EV infrastructure, autonomous mobility) and Sustainability (eco-friendly packaging, sustainable fuels, plastic alternatives). It provides cash rewards worth ₹13,00,000 and offers opportunities for paid Proof of Concept (PoC) projects, mentorship from industry experts, and access to Maruti Suzuki's extensive ecosystem.

Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)

The Marico Innovation Foundation's Indian Innovation Icons 2027 program is a biennial platform for unearthing and supporting groundbreaking innovations that address significant real-world challenges, including those within climate and sustainability sectors. This 11th edition aims to support visionary founders and innovators.

It provides strategic mentorship, investor access, business connections, and national visibility. The initiative welcomes applications from both for-profit businesses and not-for-profit organizations, with funding amounts varying based on the specific innovation and its requirements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026 (EarthON Foundation)

The EarthON Foundation, in collaboration with Greenovation Hub and SwitchON Foundation, organizes the Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026. This flagship initiative identifies, supports, and scales innovations advancing circularity across critical waste streams in India.

The challenge focuses on plastic, textile, and food waste, seeking solutions for recovery, reuse, and recycling. It targets startups, SMEs, and social enterprises, offering up to ₹4,00,00,000. Innovations include smart sorting, mechanical/chemical recycling, and sustainable material development. Applications for this program close on 31 October 2026.

MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation)

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) hosts the MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026. This program encourages innovation to address sustainability and infrastructure challenges within MIDC's industrial estates. It invites students, startups, and independent innovators to propose ready-to-implement solutions.

Focus areas include carbon emissions, wastewater management, green energy adoption, and leveraging AI for smarter industrial infrastructure. The challenge aims to transform MIDC industrial estates into sustainable and efficient hubs, offering up to ₹2,00,00,000 in support for selected solutions. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Before Applying

Before applying to these programs, consider specific eligibility criteria. The Patent Reimbursement Incentives are exclusive to incubated startups registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE, while open to all, has a particular focus on startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India. The Unnati Se Pragati program is specifically for AI startups with a validated local pilot, while the Greenovation Circularity Challenge focuses on plastic, textile, and food waste solutions.

Note the varied application timelines. Unnati Se Pragati and the MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge both have deadlines on 30 September 2026, requiring prompt action. The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge and the Greenovation Circularity Challenge close shortly after, on 31 October 2026. Other programs like those from IIMA Ventures, Katapult Ocean, SOSV, Maruti Suzuki NURTURE, and Indian Innovation Icons operate on a rolling application basis, allowing for submission at any time.