Flagship Energy Innovation Accelerator Programme Launched At IIT Madras
Ministry of Petroleum-promoted not-for-profit MC2 Foundation on August 19, 2026 launched MC2+ Ignite, an accelerator programme that will support deep-tech start-ups that are building technologies for India’s energy sector. The programme was launched at IIT Madras, through a branch of MC2 Foundation called MC2+. Present at the launch were CMDs of all oil & gas companies as well as Chairman of bp India, along with Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, MoPNG.
MC2+ Ignite aims to create a cohort of startups and provide them with a milestone-linked convertible funding of up to ₹2 crore.
The programme is a decentralised acceleration and innovation platform with its hub in Delhi and nodes at R&D centers of various companies in the oil & gas sector. In doing so, the companies will have access to real pilot sites.
MC2+ Ignite will initially form a cohort of 30 startups. To provide these startups that it is incubating with the flexibility of access to infrastructure, lab facilities and mentoring capabilities across the country, MC2+ has tied up with institutions like IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP and Venture Center, Pune.
A press release by the foundation said the programme will address a critical gap in Indian deep-tech and energy startups wherein, the startups face challenges in accessing operating assets, pilot sites, industry customers and growth capital after the early-stage grant funding. MC2+ Ignite will bridge the gap by bringing together capital, infrastructure, technical expertise and industry access within a structured cohort.
Applications for the inaugural cohort opened on 5 August, 2026 and close on 31 August, 2026. The 30 selected startups will be announced on 15 September 2026.
Startups can apply at www.mc2plus.in.
