1 week ago
Energy Leaders Launch MC²+ Ignite Deep-Tech Accelerator for India
MC² Foundation has started a new programme called MC²+ Ignite for energy technology startups.
It was launched at IIT Madras on 19 August 2026.
The programme brings oil and gas companies, universities and investors together.
Startups can use laboratories, receive advice and test their ideas at real industrial sites.
About 30 startups will be chosen.
Each selected startup may receive up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked funding.
The programme is intended to reduce duplicated research among energy companies.
It also aims to help Indian startups reach customers and markets around the world.
Applications are open until 31 August 2026.
MC² Foundation launched MC²+ Ignite at IIT Madras on 19 August 2026.
The accelerator will support deep-tech startups developing technologies for India’s energy sector.
Approximately 30 startups will be selected for up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked convertible funding.
The programme connects startups with oil and gas companies, research institutions, infrastructure, mentors and pilot sites.
Applications opened on 5 August 2026, close on 31 August, and the cohort will be announced on 15 September 2026.
- Who
- MC² Foundation, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary, oil and gas company leaders, partner institutions and deep-tech startups.
- What
- The launch of MC²+ Ignite, a sector-specific accelerator for energy technology startups.
- Where
- IIT Madras, with a hub in Delhi and innovation nodes at sponsoring oil and gas companies’ research centres.
- When
- The programme was launched on 19 August 2026; applications run from 5 August to 31 August 2026, with selections announced on 15 September 2026.
- Why
- To combine energy-industry problem statements with academic research and startups, while providing funding, infrastructure, pilot sites, mentorship and industry access.
Key facts
- Programme
- MC²+ Ignite
- Organiser
- MC² Foundation
- Target cohort
- Approximately 30 startups
- Potential funding
- Up to ₹2 crore per selected startup through milestone-linked convertible funding
- Application period
- 5 August to 31 August 2026
- Selection announcement
- 15 September 2026
- Partner institutions
- IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP and Venture Center, Pune
Quotes
Dr. Neeraj Mittal
Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Chairman of MC² Foundation
“Several of our companies can be working on the very same catalyst at the same time. That is duplication of work, of investment and of bureaucracy — and it comes with no direct interface to the institutions where the research is actually happening.”
freepressjournal.in
“We will be with you through the entire cycle — mentorship that is both technical and managerial, help with funds, and the visibility that a PSU will procure your product when it is ready. You should not have to worry about whether a market exists.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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