Bharat ClimateTech Initiative
Supports up to 8 early-stage climate-tech startups with ₹40 lakh grant, mentoring, and resources over 2 years.
- Funding amount
- ₹40L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIMA Ventures (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Climate change remains one of the most pressing global challenges, affecting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. To accelerate the transition to Net Zero, the Bharat ClimateTech Initiative seeks to empower solutions that help communities and industries adapt. A joint effort of IIMA Ventures and MUFG, this program supports up to eight early-stage Indian startups building real-world climate-tech and sustainability solutions. The target outcomes include reducing one million kg of CO₂ emissions and saving 10 million litres of water. Selected startups receive catalytic capital (up to ₹40 lakh) and tailored business support over two years to scale from innovation to impact.
Highlights
- Financial support up to ₹40 lakh per startup
- Supports up to 8 early-stage startups
- 2-year program duration
- Focus on Climate-tech & Sustainability solutions
- Includes mentoring, market & investor connects, cloud credits
Who can apply
The program is open to startups registered and operating in India. Applicants should be early-stage ventures (pre-seed to seed) that are developing or validating tech-enabled solutions addressing critical challenges in sustainability, climate-tech, or related impact-driven sectors. Thematic areas of interest include Decarbonisation, Waste to Value, Climate Tracking & Reporting, Climate Finance, and Alternative Fuels. No DPIIT or MSME registration is explicitly required.
Bharat ClimateTech Initiative is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Bharat ClimateTech Initiative accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive financial support of up to ₹40 lakh. Beyond the grant, the program provides expert mentoring, market and investor connects, cloud credits, and exclusive offers from service providers. The total program duration is two years, giving startups time to scale from innovation to impact.
About the provider
Bharat ClimateTech Initiative is offered by IIMA Ventures, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIMA Ventures as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted via an online form at go.iimaventures.com/WebsiteForm. The evaluation involves a review of the solution's climate-tech focus, target impact (CO₂ reduction, water saving), current stage (pre-seed to seed), team, technology readiness, and traction. Shortlisted applicants are contacted by IIMA Ventures and MUFG for further evaluation. Up to eight startups are finally selected and onboarded into the two-year support programme.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Bharat ClimateTech Initiative, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Bharat ClimateTech Initiative is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹40L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is provided to selected startups?
Selected startups receive financial support of up to ₹40 lakh.
What is the application deadline for this program?
The application deadline is rolling and always open; there is no fixed deadline.
What stage should my startup be in to apply?
The program targets early-stage ventures at pre-seed to seed stage that are developing or validating their tech-enabled solutions.
What sectors or thematic areas does the initiative focus on?
The program seeks solutions in Decarbonisation, Waste to Value, Climate Tracking & Reporting, Climate Finance, and Alternative Fuels.
Does the program take equity in exchange for the funding?
The funding is provided as a grant, so no equity is taken from the startup.
What additional support is offered beyond the grant?
Selected startups receive expert mentoring, market and investor connects, cloud credits, and exclusive offers from service providers.
How long is the program duration?
The program runs for two years, during which startups receive support to scale.
How many startups are selected under this initiative?
The program aims to support up to eight promising early-stage startups.
What documents are typically needed to apply?
The application form asks for details about your climate-tech or sustainability solution, target impact, current stage, team, technology readiness, and traction achieved.
How and where do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the official form at go.iimaventures.com/WebsiteForm.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Bharat ClimateTech Initiative?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Bharat ClimateTech Initiative, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for Bharat ClimateTech Initiative?
Bharat ClimateTech Initiative is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers Bharat ClimateTech Initiative?
Bharat ClimateTech Initiative is offered by IIMA Ventures, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for Bharat ClimateTech Initiative?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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