Climate Tech Incubator 2.0Innovation that moves India sustainably
Last date to apply is on
15 November, 2026
Program Background
India's cities are growing faster than their infrastructure, waste systems and transport networks can keep up.
The Problem
Growing urban populations are straining mobility systems and resources. Road transport contributes around 12% of India’s energy-related CO₂ emissions, while e-waste is projected to reach 14 million tonnes by 2030. Urban growth is also increasing cities exposure to climate risks.
The Response
India is accelerating this transition through ambitious targets and policies, including 30% EV adoption and 500 GW of non-fossil power capacity by 2030 alongside EPR for batteries and e-waste and Circular Economy Action Plans.
What's missing is to deliver on them at scale, which is where founders come in.
The Opportunity
A fast-growing urban market, strong policy momentum and unmet demand across mobility, waste and energy give India's climate tech founders a rare window to build category-defining startups.
Waste as a resource
Design for safer and smarter mobility
A low carbon, circular, and sustainable future.
Look who came before you
Climate Tech Incubator 1.0
What we offer
Provide catalytic support
Grant funding of upto INR 35 Lakhs for 10 high-potential startups.
Mentoring and technical assistance
Access to tailored mentorship to help startups solve critical technology and business challenges.
Support deeptech ventures
Build a stronger pipeline of early-stage climate tech ventures ready to scale.
Real-world pilot
Opportunities to test and validate solutions in live environments, generate real-world evidence, and build pathways to commercial adoption.
Demo Day
A platform to showcase solutions, progress, and impact to investors, industry leaders, and the wider climate tech ecosystem.
Are you making cities more sustainable, less congested, and safer for everyone?
Apply nowFocus Areas
Circular Economy & Sustainable Materials
Enabling resource efficiency through reuse, recycling, and sustainable material innovation across mobility and industrial systems.
Climate Intelligence & Energy Resilience
Leveraging data, AI, and clean energy innovation to build climate-resilient, efficient, and intelligent urban systems.
Road Safety & Human-Centric Mobility
Reimagining how people and vehicles interact with roads and mobility systems, and creating safer, more accessible transportation.
Electric & Low-Carbon Mobility
Accelerating the transition to clean mobility through electrification, energy efficiency, and next-generation EV ecosystems.
Climate Tech Incubator
Delivered through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and Villgro, the program moves from strategic partnership through to startup support.
- MBRDI + Villgro
Program Partners
Fund and steward the program, setting focus areas.
- Selection Committee
Expert Review
Experts evaluate applicants for impact and scalability.
- Selected Startups
Climate Tech Cohort
10 ventures selected per cohort.
- Funding & Mentorship
Structured Support
Grant funding, mentorship and market access
Who Can Apply
1. DPIIT Recognition
The startup must be a formally registered business entity that holds valid DPIIT recognition, confirming its legitimate and compliant status as a startup.
2. Revenue & Traction
The startup must have a market-ready product actively used by paying customers, showing real revenue and validated demand.
3. Sector Alignment
The startup’s solution should be genuinely innovative and fall within the specific sectors and themes that Climate Tech Incubator is designed to support.
4. Climate Impact
The startup must demonstrate a clear and measurable potential to reduce emissions, resource consumption, waste, or other environmental impacts.
5. Technology Readiness
The solution should have a validated technology, preferably at TRL 5 or above, with a clear pathway to commercial deployment.
Mentor with us
Share your expertise with India’s next generation of climate tech founders.
Selected startups get structured mentorship in technology, business, and market strategy. We’re looking for founders, operators, and domain experts across mobility, energy, and circular economy who want to guide early-stage ventures through their most critical year of growth.
Apply to be a Mentor
What you’ll do:
Be a thought partner to founders as they navigate complex technical, strategic, and business decisions- Expand founders’ access to industry networks, strategic partnerships, and pathways to market
- Help translate early insights into stronger market validation, positioning, and go-to-market strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I apply?
To apply, fill out the application form available on this site, detailing your motivation, solution, and team setup. Applications are open until 15th November 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews with the organizing team.
2. Who can apply?
Early-stage enterprises working in the focus areas and criteria mentioned above are encouraged to apply. Enterprises in the early commercialization stage will be considered for the incubation program, while those with commercialized products and consistent sales will be considered for the acceleration program.
3. How long is the program?
The program will support selected enterprises for 12 months.
4. Will you take equity in our company?
No, the program will not take any equity in the enterprises it supports. Funding will be provided solely on a grant basis.
5. Where will the program take place?
The program will be conducted virtually, with occasional visits and meet-ups primarily in Bangalore.
6. What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are reviewed by our programme experts. Shortlisted startups will be invited for further discussions and evaluation before the final cohort is selected. Applicants will be notified of their application status at each stage of the process.
7. My question is not answered here. What should I do?
Feel free to email us at climatetechincubation@villgro.org, and we’ll respond to your query within 72 hours.