Updated: Aug 21, 2026 01:10:42pm
Chennai, Aug 21 (KNN) The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), along with leading oil and gas companies, has launched MC²+ Ignite at IIT Madras to accelerate startups working in energy and industrial deep-tech.
Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, MoPNG, launched the programme on August 19 in the presence of chief executives of major oil and gas companies and senior industry representatives.
MC² Foundation was established to bring technology problem statements from India’s oil and gas companies onto a common platform and connect them with academic institutions and startups.
Addressing the launch, Mittal said the initiative aims to reduce duplication in research and investment by creating a direct interface between energy companies, research institutions and startups, reported ANI.
He said the foundation would support startups through technical and managerial mentorship, funding assistance and access to potential procurement opportunities from public sector energy companies.
Decentralised Accelerator Platform
MC²+ Ignite will operate as a decentralised acceleration and innovation platform, with a hub in Delhi and nodes at participating oil and gas companies’ R&D centres.
This will provide startups access to industry infrastructure and real-world pilot sites.
The programme has partnered with institutions including IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP and Venture Center, Pune, enabling startups to access laboratories, infrastructure and mentoring facilities across locations.
First Cohort to Include Around 30 Startups
The inaugural cohort will comprise around 30 startups. Selected ventures will be eligible for milestone-linked convertible funding of up to Rs 2 crore.
The programme seeks to address challenges faced by deep-tech and energy startups in moving beyond early-stage funding to access operating assets, pilot facilities, industry customers and growth capital.
Applications Open Until August 31
Applications for the first cohort opened on August 5 and will close on August 31. The selected startups are scheduled to be announced on September 15, 2026.
MC² Foundation said the platform is intended to help startups and researchers move technologies from research and development to pilot deployment and commercialisation by providing access to capital, infrastructure, technical expertise and industry partnerships.
