MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad 2027
By T-Hub
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Quick Answer
A 12-week acceleration program for student innovators from Karnataka and Maharashtra focusing on climate and mobility challenges, offering up to ₹50,000 grant for prototype development.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹50,000
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- T-Hub
- Application deadline
- 39d — 15 Nov 2026
- Location
- Karnataka, Maharashtra
About this grant
The MBRDI Climate Tech Incubator program, also known as the Student Launchpad Program, is a flagship initiative jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and T-Hub. It forms a key part of the broader Sustainability Garage – a Mercedes-Benz Initiative, demonstrating a strong corporate commitment to fostering innovation in sustainable technologies. Designed specifically for student innovators, this program empowers the next generation to tackle critical global climate and mobility challenges. Through a rigorous 12-week acceleration framework, participants transform bold ideas into tangible climate tech prototypes. The program provides comprehensive support including expert mentorship, practical prototyping workshops, access to state-of-the-art maker labs, and crucial innovation grants. Season 2 of the Launchpad expands its reach and sharpens its focus on taking ideas from conceptualization all the way to working prototypes, specifically targeting student teams from Karnataka and Maharashtra. The ultimate goal is to cultivate impactful technologies that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
T-Hub is a startup hub in Hyderabad, Telangana, run by T-Hub Foundation. It was set up in 2015 as a not-for-profit, and it began as a public–private partnership between the Government of Telangana, IIIT Hyderabad, the Indian School of Business (ISB) and NALSAR University of Law.…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹50,000
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Each selected team receives an innovation grant of up to ₹50,000 for prototype development. This grant specifically covers expenses for raw materials, electronics, mechanical components, and prototyping consumables, and is disbursed on a reimbursement basis against verified prototype milestones. Beyond funding, teams benefit from personalized one-on-one mentorship from MBRDI leadership and industry experts, structured prototyping workshops, and access to fully equipped maker labs with advanced fabrication capabilities like 3D printing and electronics prototyping. The program also offers active venture co-building support from T-Hub, assistance with investor introductions through T-Hub's extensive 200+ investor network for future fundraising, and crucial networking opportunities with potential partners, industry stakeholders, and ecosystem players. Notably, the program is equity-free, ensuring participants retain 100% ownership of their company and intellectual property, unless they choose to accept direct investment from partners on mutually agreed terms.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
- Duration
- 3 months
- Funding source
- CSR funded
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Participants are selected through a combined process involving submissions from Idea Innovation Bootcamps and an open Call for Applications. A cohort of 18–20 student teams will be shortlisted and selected for the Climate Tech Incubator Program. Evaluation criteria for selection include the alignment of the proposed solution with a defined climate or mobility problem, the innovation potential of the idea, the strength and composition of the team, the potential for social impact, and the technical viability—specifically, whether the idea can realistically be developed into a working prototype during the program's duration.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your climate tech idea through the official application portal or via bootcamp submissions.
You - 2
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Climate Tech Launchpad Program?
The Climate Tech Launchpad is an intensive program empowering student innovators from Bengaluru and Pune to develop working prototypes addressing critical climate and mobility challenges. It's a joint initiative by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and T-Hub, under the Sustainability Garage umbrella.
Who can apply?
Students currently enrolled in engineering, environmental science, design, business, or related disciplines at colleges in Bengaluru or Pune. Cross-disciplinary teams are strongly encouraged. Your idea must address one of the four Climate Tech sub-themes defined by the program.
What is the structure of the program?
The program has two main phases: (1) Idea Innovation Bootcamps - 12 in-person bootcamps across colleges in Bengaluru and Pune covering climate tech, design thinking, and ideation, and (2) the Climate Tech Launchpad - an intensive build-heavy acceleration program with mentorship, workshops, maker lab access, and a final Demo Day showcase.
How are participants selected?
Participants are selected based on their proposed climate tech solutions. Evaluation criteria include problem-solution alignment, innovation potential, team strength, social impact potential, and technical viability specifically, whether the idea can realistically be developed into a working prototype. The top 18–20 teams will be selected for the Launchpad program.
What is the ₹50K Innovation Grant?
Each selected team receives up to ₹50,000 for prototype development expenses covering raw materials, electronics, mechanical components, and prototyping consumables. The grant is disbursed on a reimbursement basis against verified prototype milestones.
What is the time commitment?
The Launchpad program runs from January to April 2027. Teams must participate in mentorship sessions, workshops, maker lab build days, weekly check-ins, and Demo Day. Bootcamps are standalone 6-hour sessions held at individual colleges between August and October 2026.
Where will the program take place?
Bootcamps are held on college campuses in Bengaluru and Pune. The Launchpad program combines virtual sessions with in-person workshops and build days at maker labs in Bengaluru and Pune. The Demo Day venue will be confirmed closer to the event.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. The program is fully funded through MBRDI's CSR initiative. Selected teams also receive the ₹50K innovation grant for prototype development.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
