DPIIT and GEAPP Join Forces to Boost Climate-Tech Entrepreneurship in India
In a major stride toward fostering climate-focused innovation, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen India’s clean energy and manufacturing ecosystem by empowering early-stage climate-tech startups.
The two-year partnership, designed with a scope for extension, will provide a comprehensive support system for budding entrepreneurs working on sustainable technologies. The initiative will offer critical resources including access to funding, mentorship programs, pilot testing opportunities, and vital market connections—paving the way for scalable solutions aligned with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
A major highlight of the collaboration is the launch of the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE). This competitive platform will identify and reward groundbreaking solutions in the energy sector with prize money of up to $500,000. Furthermore, investment avenues will be expanded through key partners such as Spectrum Impact and Avana Capital, ensuring robust financial backing for promising ventures.
DPIIT will integrate the initiative within its flagship Startup India framework, ensuring extensive outreach through government-backed schemes and networks. The partnership also aims to create a dynamic pipeline of climate-tech ventures that are both investment-ready and capable of delivering large-scale environmental impact.
Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, emphasized the critical role of entrepreneurship in driving India’s climate leadership. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would empower startups to bring forward transformative clean energy solutions that resonate with the nation’s long-term sustainability goals.
Echoing this vision, Saurabh Kumar, Vice President – India at GEAPP, called the MoU a transformative step toward systemic change. He highlighted the strength of the combined expertise of GEAPP’s global reach, Startup India’s entrepreneurial network, and DPIIT’s policy leadership in unlocking new opportunities for innovation in the energy space.
The agreement was formally signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal and Saurabh Kumar, witnessed by senior officials from both DPIIT and GEAPP, marking the beginning of a new chapter in India’s climate-tech journey.
With this partnership, India is poised to become a global hub for climate-driven innovation, combining governmental support, international collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit to address the pressing challenges of sustainable development.
