MoPNG-backed programme will connect 30 startups with funding, IIT laboratories, pilot sites and major oil and gas companies
MC²+ Ignite , a new sector-specific accelerator from the MC² Foundation, has been launched to support Indian deep-tech startups developing solutions for the energy sector. The programme was launched at IIT Madras on 19 August 2026 by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), along with the chairpersons and managing directors of leading oil and gas companies.
Applications for the inaugural cohort are open until 31 August 2026 through the official MC²+ platform. The accelerator will select approximately 30 startups, with each selected venture eligible for up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked convertible funding.thehindubusinessline
The initiative aims to solve a major challenge faced by Indian deep-tech companies: moving from a working prototype to large-scale industry deployment. While early-stage grants may help startups build technology, many struggle to access industrial assets, pilot locations, technical validation, customers and growth capital.
Backed by India’s energy ecosystem
MC² Foundation was established to bring together technology problem statements from India’s oil and gas companies on a common platform. The objective is to connect energy-sector challenges directly with academic institutions, researchers and startups, while reducing duplication in research and investment.
Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman of the MC² Foundation, said the platform would support founders throughout the complete innovation cycle, including technical and managerial mentorship, funding support and visibility among potential industry customers.
The launch was attended by senior leaders from ONGC, Oil India, Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL and Engineers India, as well as representatives from Reliance Industries, bp India and IIT Madras. The participation of major energy companies indicates the programme’s emphasis on industry adoption rather than laboratory research alone.
Focus on critical energy technologies
MC²+ Ignite will support startups working across a wide range of energy and industrial technology areas. These include:
- AI-led subsurface intelligence.
- Advanced drilling technologies.
- Refinery and petrochemical processes.
- Green hydrogen.
- Bioenergy.
- Clean mobility.
- Digital asset management.
- Industrial automation and predictive maintenance.
- Carbon management and energy efficiency.
The accelerator specifically targets startups at Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 7. At this stage, companies generally have a validated prototype or early pilot but need infrastructure, testing, customers and capital to scale.businessnewsthisweek
Funding and programme structure
Selected startups will initially be eligible for up to ₹50 lakh in milestone-linked convertible funding. Outstanding performers may receive an additional ₹1.5 crore at Demo Day, taking the total potential support to ₹2 crore. The programme is free for participating startups and does not require founders to raise a priced investment round.whalesbook
The accelerator will begin with a residential launch bootcamp, followed by a 12-week build phase. Startups may work from innovation nodes at IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP Bengaluru, Venture Center Pune or partner energy companies’ research and development facilities.
The programme will culminate in Demo Day at IIT Madras on 10 January 2027. The selected startups are expected to be announced on 15 September 2026.aninews
Access to labs, pilots and customers
MC²+ Ignite uses a decentralised model with a central hub in Delhi and innovation nodes located within sponsoring companies and partner institutions. This structure will give founders access to advanced laboratories, technical mentors, intellectual property support, regulatory guidance, go-to-market advice and procurement-readiness training.
Most importantly, startups will receive opportunities to validate their solutions at real energy-sector pilot sites. Direct engagement with oil and gas companies can help founders understand operational requirements and improve their chances of commercial deployment.
By combining funding, infrastructure, industry access and academic expertise, MC²+ Ignite aims to create a stronger pathway for Indian energy startups to move from prototype to market. The accelerator could become an important platform for building globally competitive technologies while supporting India’s clean-energy transition and long-term vision of Viksit Bharat.
Conclusion
MC²+ Ignite represents a significant push to strengthen India’s energy deep-tech ecosystem by addressing one of the biggest barriers faced by startups — moving from prototype development to real-world commercial deployment. With access to up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked funding, IIT laboratories, industry pilot sites, technical mentors and leading oil and gas companies, the accelerator offers startups a pathway to validate and scale their technologies.
By focusing on technologies such as green hydrogen, AI-led energy solutions, advanced drilling, bioenergy, clean mobility, industrial automation and carbon management, MC²+ Ignite could play an important role in developing homegrown technologies for India’s evolving energy needs. For eligible startups at Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 7, the programme offers not only financial support but also direct access to potential customers and industrial infrastructure.
With applications closing on 31 August 2026, eligible energy deep-tech startups looking to scale their solutions can consider applying for the inaugural cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the MC²+ Ignite accelerator?
MC²+ Ignite is a sector-focused accelerator launched by the MC² Foundation to support Indian deep-tech startups developing technologies for the energy sector. It provides funding, mentorship, laboratory access, industry pilots and opportunities to work with major energy companies.
2. How much funding can startups receive under MC²+ Ignite?
Selected startups can initially receive up to ₹50 lakh in milestone-linked convertible funding. High-performing startups may receive an additional ₹1.5 crore at Demo Day, taking the maximum potential funding to ₹2 crore per startup.
3. Who is eligible to apply for MC²+ Ignite?
The accelerator primarily targets Indian energy and industrial deep-tech startups operating at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 7. These are typically startups with validated prototypes, laboratory-tested technologies or early-stage pilot solutions that require further testing and commercial deployment.
4. What is the last date to apply for MC²+ Ignite 2026?
Applications for the inaugural MC²+ Ignite cohort are open until 31 August 2026 through the official MC²+ platform. Selected startups are expected to be announced on 15 September 2026.
5. What sectors and technologies are covered under MC²+ Ignite?
The programme covers areas including green hydrogen, bioenergy, clean mobility, advanced drilling technologies, refinery and petrochemical processes, AI-led subsurface intelligence, industrial automation, predictive maintenance, digital asset management, carbon management and energy efficiency.