- MC²+ Ignite has been launched as a sector-specific accelerator for deep-tech startups focused on India's energy sector.
- The programme will select about 30 startups, with eligible ventures able to receive up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked convertible funding, along with access to pilot sites, infrastructure, and industry expertise.
- The programme was launched at IIT Madras on August 19 by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (MoPNG), and Chairman of MC² Foundation, along with leaders of major oil and gas companies.
- Applications for the programme opened on August 5 and will close on August 31, with the selected cohort scheduled to be announced on September 15.
- The MC² Foundation aims to connect technology problem statements from India’s oil and gas majors with academic institutions and startups.
- The accelerator has partnered with IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP, and Venture Center, Pune.
- The programme will operate in a decentralised model with its hub in Delhi and nodes within the R&D centres of various sponsoring companies in the Indian oil & gas sector.
MC²+ Ignite has officially launched its accelerator program aimed at supporting India's energy deep-tech startups. The initiative, unveiled on August 19 at IIT Madras, will select approximately 30 startups to receive up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked convertible funding.1236
The program is designed to connect technology problem statements from India's oil and gas majors with academic institutions and startups, fostering innovation in the energy sector. Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and Chairman of MC² Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “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.”5
The accelerator will operate in a decentralized model, with its hub in Delhi and nodes at various sponsoring companies' R&D centers, providing access to real pilot sites. The program has partnered with prestigious institutions such as IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP, and Venture Center, Pune to enhance its offerings.7
Applications for the program opened on August 5 and will close on August 31, with the selected cohort expected to be announced on September 15.4
“The accelerator, launched at IIT Madras, partners with IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP, and Venture Center, Pune. Applications close August 31, with the cohort announced September 15.”
