August 22, 2026: MC² Foundation has launched MC²+ Ignite, a sector-specific accelerator designed to support deep-tech startups developing technologies for India’s energy sector. The programme was launched at IIT Madras on August 19 by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), and Chairman of MC² Foundation, along with leaders of major oil and gas companies.

MC² Foundation aims to bring together technology problem statements from India’s oil and gas majors and connect them with academic institutions and startups. The initiative seeks to reduce duplication of research and investment while helping promising technologies move from development to commercial deployment and global markets.

MC²+ Ignite will select approximately 30 startups, with selected ventures eligible for up to ₹20 million in milestone-linked convertible funding. The programme also offers access to operating assets, pilot sites, technical expertise, industry customers and growth capital, addressing key challenges faced by Indian deep-tech and energy startups.

The accelerator has partnered with IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP and Venture Center, Pune. Its decentralised platform will have a hub in Delhi and nodes at sponsoring oil and gas companies’ R&D centres, providing startups with access to infrastructure, laboratories, mentoring and real-world pilot opportunities. Applications opened on August 5 and close on August 31, with the selected cohort scheduled to be announced on September 15.

(Source: Sarkaritel)