Villgro Climate Tech Incubator 2.0
By Villgro
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Quick Answer
Receive grant funding up to ₹35 lakh and tailored mentorship for climate tech startups focusing on circular economy, clean mobility, and energy resilience.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹35L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Villgro
- Application deadline
- 23d — 22 Nov 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- DPIIT recognition
About this grant
India's rapid urbanisation presents significant challenges across transport, waste management, and resource utilisation, contributing substantially to energy-related CO2 emissions and e-waste. Concurrently, India is driving a national shift towards cleaner mobility, circular resource use, and cleaner energy through ambitious policies like 30% EV adoption and 500 GW non-fossil power capacity by 2030, alongside Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates and Circular Economy Action Plans. This landscape creates a crucial opportunity for innovative startups to develop solutions for a sustainable future.
The Climate Tech Incubator 2.0, a collaborative effort between Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and Villgro, aims to catalyse this transformation. The program is designed to identify and support high-potential deeptech ventures that are addressing critical climate challenges in Indian cities. By fostering innovation in key areas, the incubator seeks to build a robust pipeline of early-stage climate tech companies ready to scale their impact.
The program focuses on four critical areas: Circular Economy & Sustainable Materials, Climate Intelligence & Energy Resilience, Road Safety & Human-Centric Mobility, and Electric & Low-Carbon Mobility. Through a structured 12-month incubation program, selected startups will receive catalytic grant funding, comprehensive mentorship, and opportunities for real-world pilot validation to accelerate their journey towards commercial adoption and significant climate impact.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Villgro Innovations Foundation is India's oldest social enterprise incubator, founded in 2001 by Paul Basil and headquartered at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai. The organisation supports early-stage, innovation-driven enterprises working on solutions for underserved…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹35L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- Grant Funding: Selected startups will receive catalytic grant funding of up to ₹35 lakh, provided on an equity-free basis to fuel their innovation and growth.
- Mentorship & Technical Assistance: Gain access to tailored mentorship from industry experts and technical assistance to navigate complex technology and business challenges.
- Real-world Pilot Opportunities: Test and validate your solutions in live environments, generate crucial real-world evidence, and establish pathways towards commercial adoption.
- Incubation Support: Benefit from structured incubation support designed to strengthen your venture, preparing it for scaling and significant market impact.
- Market & Investor Access: Showcase your progress and impact to a network of investors, industry leaders, and the broader climate tech ecosystem through a dedicated Demo Day, fostering connections for future growth and fundraising.
- Duration
- 12 months
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by programme experts, who evaluate applicants for impact and scalability. Shortlisted startups are invited for further discussions and evaluation, including interviews with the organizing team, before the final cohort of 10 ventures is selected. Applicants are notified of their status at each stage.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Fill out the online application form with details about your venture, solution, and team.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply?
To apply, fill out the application form available on this site, detailing your motivation, solution, and team setup. Applications are open until 22nd November 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews with the organizing team.
Who can apply?
Early-stage enterprises working in the focus areas and criteria mentioned above are encouraged to apply. Enterprises in the early commercialization stage will be considered for the incubation program, while those with commercialized products and consistent sales will be considered for the acceleration program.
How long is the program?
The program will support selected enterprises for 12 months.
Will you take equity in our company?
No, the program will not take any equity in the enterprises it supports. Funding will be provided solely on a grant basis.
Where will the program take place?
The program will be conducted virtually, with occasional visits and meet-ups primarily in Bangalore.
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are reviewed by our programme experts. Shortlisted startups will be invited for further discussions and evaluation before the final cohort is selected. Applicants will be notified of their application status at each stage of the process.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
