MC²+ Ignite
A programme by MC² Foundation
Sector-specific accelerator for 30 energy startups across seven themes, with convertible funding, a twelve-week build phase and pilots at energy majors. Applications for the first cohort are closed.
At a glance
| Best for | Indian energy startups with a working prototype or early pilot and a technical co-founder. |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – MVP |
| Duration | Twelve-week build phase after a launch bootcamp |
| Format | In person |
| Cost | Free |
| Run with | IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, C-CAMP, NCL Venture Centre |
About MC²+ Ignite
Ignite is the first accelerator programme of MC² Foundation, implemented by IIT Madras. Applications for the first cohort ran from 5 to 31 August 2026 and are now closed. The cohort was due to be announced on 15 September 2026, and we could not find a published list of selected startups.
What you get
- A residential launch bootcamp, then a twelve-week build phase (1 October to 31 December 2026) with gate reviews at weeks four and eight
- Build work at research nodes: IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, C-CAMP Bengaluru and the NCL Venture Centre in Pune, plus energy-major host sites
- Convertible funding in two parts, with a further tranche at Demo Day. It is convertible debt, not a grant, and converts to equity at a discount if you raise an outside round within two years
- Laboratory and pilot infrastructure, mentoring, and routes to technology validation and possible procurement with the participating energy companies
- A Demo Day at IIT Madras in Chennai in January 2027
- IP stays with the startup, both what you bring and what is created in the programme
Who can apply
- Indian-incorporated startups no more than five years old, with limited funding raised so far
- At least two founders, one of them a technical co-founder
- A working prototype or early pilot at technology readiness level 4 to 7
- A fit with one of seven themes: AI-driven subsurface intelligence; next-generation drilling and well completion; hydrogen and mobility; bioenergy including compressed biogas; refinery process intensification and catalysis; digital asset management; open innovation
- Idea-stage ventures without a prototype cannot apply
How selection works: triage, due diligence, interviews, then a final pitch round before a five-member committee using a documented rubric. The call expected 300 or more applications for 30 places.
How to apply: Apply online through the Apply button on the MC²+ website and nominate one primary theme. The window had no late submissions. Startups that are not selected remain eligible for later cohorts and other Foundation programmes. For the next intake, write to info@mc2plus.in.