MoPNG Launches MC+ Ignite Accelerator for 30 Energy Startups

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), alongside top CMDs from major Oil & Gas companies and the Chairman of bp India, officially launched “MC+ Ignite: India’s Flagship Energy Innovation Accelerator” at IIT Madras on August 19.

This new initiative, spearheaded by the MC Foundation, aims to streamline technology problem statements across India’s oil and gas sector. The program seeks to bridge these challenges with academic research and emerging startups, fostering the creation of global-scale ventures.

The Vision for Energy Innovation

Dr. Mittal emphasized a critical objective: eliminating fragmentation and duplication in R&D efforts within the energy landscape. His vision is to achieve global production scales, which is essential for cost reduction and advancing the broader goal of a “Viksit Bharat.”

MC+ Ignite operates as a decentralized accelerator, featuring a central hub in Delhi. It also maintains various nodes established at the R&D centers of sponsoring companies.

Key program components include:

Access to pilot sites for practical development.

Partnerships with premier institutions such as IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur for infrastructure and mentorship.

A target to select around 30 promising startups.

Convertible funding of up to 2 crore, linked to specific milestones.

Program Timeline and Funding

This substantial funding aims to close the gap for deep-tech and energy startups in accessing crucial operating assets, industry customers, and the necessary growth capital. The program is designed to propel these ventures from concept to market impact.

Founders interested in joining the accelerator should note the application window:

Applications opened on August 5.

The deadline for submissions is August 31.

Selections are slated to be announced on September 15, 2026.