MC²+ Ignite , a new sector-specific accelerator from the MC² Foundation, has been launched to support Indian deep-tech startups developing solutions for the energy sector. The programme was launched at IIT Madras on 19 August 2026 by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), along with the chairpersons and managing directors of leading oil and gas companies.

Applications for the inaugural cohort are open until 31 August 2026 through the official MC²+ platform. The accelerator will select approximately 30 startups, with each selected venture eligible for up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked convertible funding.thehindubusinessline

The initiative aims to solve a major challenge faced by Indian deep-tech companies: moving from a working prototype to large-scale industry deployment. While early-stage grants may help startups build technology, many struggle to access industrial assets, pilot locations, technical validation, customers and growth capital.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman of the MC² Foundation, said the platform would support founders throughout the complete innovation cycle, including technical and managerial mentorship, funding support and visibility among potential industry customers.

The launch was attended by senior leaders from ONGC, Oil India, Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL and Engineers India, as well as representatives from Reliance Industries, bp India and IIT Madras. The participation of major energy companies indicates the programme’s emphasis on industry adoption rather than laboratory research alone.

Focus on critical energy technologies

MC²+ Ignite will support startups working across a wide range of energy and industrial technology areas. These include:

• AI-led subsurface intelligence.
• Advanced drilling technologies.
• Refinery and petrochemical processes.
• Green hydrogen.
• Bioenergy.
• Clean mobility.
• Digital asset management.
• Industrial automation and predictive maintenance.
• Carbon management and energy efficiency.

The accelerator specifically targets startups at Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 7. At this stage, companies generally have a validated prototype or early pilot but need infrastructure, testing, customers and capital to scale.businessnewsthisweek

Funding and programme structure

Selected startups will initially be eligible for up to ₹50 lakh in milestone-linked convertible funding. Outstanding performers may receive an additional ₹1.5 crore at Demo Day, taking the total potential support to ₹2 crore. The programme is free for participating startups and does not require founders to raise a priced investment round.whalesbook

The accelerator will begin with a residential launch bootcamp, followed by a 12-week build phase. Startups may work from innovation nodes at IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP Bengaluru, Venture Center Pune or partner energy companies’ research and development facilities.

The programme will culminate in Demo Day at IIT Madras on 10 January 2027. The selected startups are expected to be announced on 15 September 2026.aninews

Access to labs, pilots and customers

MC²+ Ignite uses a decentralised model with a central hub in Delhi and innovation nodes located within sponsoring companies and partner institutions. This structure will give founders access to advanced laboratories, technical mentors, intellectual property support, regulatory guidance, go-to-market advice and procurement-readiness training.

Most importantly, startups will receive opportunities to validate their solutions at real energy-sector pilot sites. Direct engagement with oil and gas companies can help founders understand operational requirements and improve their chances of commercial deployment.

By combining funding, infrastructure, industry access and academic expertise, MC²+ Ignite aims to create a stronger pathway for Indian energy startups to move from prototype to market. The accelerator could become an important platform for building globally competitive technologies while supporting India’s clean-energy transition and long-term vision of Viksit Bharat.

Conclusion

MC²+ Ignite represents a significant push to strengthen India’s energy deep-tech ecosystem by addressing one of the biggest barriers faced by startups — moving from prototype development to real-world commercial deployment. With access to up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked funding, IIT laboratories, industry pilot sites, technical mentors and leading oil and gas companies, the accelerator offers startups a pathway to validate and scale their technologies.

By focusing on technologies such as green hydrogen, AI-led energy solutions, advanced drilling, bioenergy, clean mobility, industrial automation and carbon management, MC²+ Ignite could play an important role in developing homegrown technologies for India’s evolving energy needs. For eligible startups at Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 7, the programme offers not only financial support but also direct access to potential customers and industrial infrastructure.

With applications closing on 31 August 2026, eligible energy deep-tech startups looking to scale their solutions can consider applying for the inaugural cohort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the MC²+ Ignite accelerator?

MC²+ Ignite is a sector-focused accelerator launched by the MC² Foundation to support Indian deep-tech startups developing technologies for the energy sector. It provides funding, mentorship, laboratory access, industry pilots and opportunities to work with major energy companies.

2. How much funding can startups receive under MC²+ Ignite?

Selected startups can initially receive up to ₹50 lakh in milestone-linked convertible funding. High-performing startups may receive an additional ₹1.5 crore at Demo Day, taking the maximum potential funding to ₹2 crore per startup.

3. Who is eligible to apply for MC²+ Ignite?

The accelerator primarily targets Indian energy and industrial deep-tech startups operating at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 7. These are typically startups with validated prototypes, laboratory-tested technologies or early-stage pilot solutions that require further testing and commercial deployment.

4. What is the last date to apply for MC²+ Ignite 2026?

Applications for the inaugural MC²+ Ignite cohort are open until 31 August 2026 through the official MC²+ platform. Selected startups are expected to be announced on 15 September 2026.

5. What sectors and technologies are covered under MC²+ Ignite?

The programme covers areas including green hydrogen, bioenergy, clean mobility, advanced drilling technologies, refinery and petrochemical processes, AI-led subsurface intelligence, industrial automation, predictive maintenance, digital asset management, carbon management and energy efficiency.

SBI Asha Scholarship 2026 – The SBI Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the State Bank of India, has launched the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families. With a total programme outlay of ₹100 crore, the initiative aims to provide financial assistance to 25,707 students across school education, higher education, professional courses and overseas study.

Applications opened on 22 July 2026 and will remain open until 4 September 2026. Eligible students can apply through the official portal, www.sbiashascholarship.co.in.

The SBI Asha Scholarship is among India’s largest corporate scholarship programmes and is intended to reduce financial barriers for students who have strong academic records but limited family income.

Eligible categories include:

• Students studying in Classes 9 to 12.
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• MBBS students.
• Students enrolled in IITs.
• Students pursuing postgraduate programmes at IIMs.
• Students enrolled in institutions ranked among the NIRF Top 300 or accredited with eligible NAAC grades.
• Indian students pursuing master’s programmes at universities ranked among the QS Top 200 globally.

The wide coverage allows students to seek support from secondary school through advanced professional and international education.

Scholarship amount

The financial assistance varies according to the course and institution. The reported scholarship benefits include:

• Classes 9 to 12: Up to ₹15,000 annually.
• Undergraduate programmes: Up to ₹75,000.
• Postgraduate programmes: Up to ₹1,50,000.
• Medical courses: Up to ₹2,00,000.
• IIT students: Up to ₹2,00,000.
• IIM students: Up to ₹5,00,000.
• Eligible overseas postgraduate programmes: Up to ₹15 lakh.

Applicants should verify the exact amount, category-specific conditions and eligible institutions on the official SBI Asha Scholarship portal because benefits may differ between academic tracks.

Merit and financial need

The scholarship is aimed at students who demonstrate both academic merit and financial need. General eligibility information indicates that applicants generally need a minimum of 75% marks or 7.0 CGPA, while family-income limits vary by category.

For school applicants, the income threshold is generally lower than that for higher education candidates. The official scholarship portal lists income limits of up to ₹3 lakh for school students and up to ₹6 lakh for higher education applicants, subject to category-specific rules.

Students from reserved categories may receive relaxation in academic requirements, according to the applicable guidelines. Applicants should read the official conditions carefully before submitting their forms.

SBI Group support

The initiative is being co-funded by SBI Foundation and several SBI Group companies, including SBI General Insurance, SBI Life, SBI Securities, SBI Pension Fund, SBI Ventures, SBI Trustee and SBI Operations Support.

Speaking at the launch, Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI, said the programme aims to ensure that deserving students receive equal opportunities to pursue quality education regardless of their financial background. The scholarship is also intended to help nurture future leaders, innovators and professionals who can contribute to India’s development.

How to apply

Students should visit the official portal, create an account and select the relevant scholarship category. They must then enter personal, academic and financial details, upload supporting documents and submit the completed application. Applicants should save the acknowledgement or application number for future reference.

Common documents may include academic marksheets, income certificates, identity proof, admission documents, fee receipts and bank details. Requirements differ by category.

With its large funding commitment and broad academic coverage, the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 could help thousands of talented students continue their education without placing an unmanageable burden on their families. Students should complete applications before the 4 September deadline and rely on the official portal for the latest instructions.

Conclusion

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 offers significant financial support to deserving students from economically weaker families, covering education from Classes 9–12 to undergraduate, postgraduate, medical, IIT, IIM and overseas master’s programmes. With a programme outlay of ₹100 crore and support planned for 25,707 students, the scholarship can help reduce the financial burden of pursuing quality education.

Eligible students should carefully check the category-specific academic, income and institution requirements before applying. Since applications are open until 4 September 2026, candidates are advised to complete the application process early, keep the required documents ready and verify all information through the official SBI Asha Scholarship portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026?

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 is an education-support initiative of the SBI Foundation aimed at helping meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families. The programme plans to provide financial assistance to 25,707 students with a total outlay of ₹100 crore.

2. What is the last date to apply for the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026?

The last date to submit an application for the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026 is 4 September 2026. Applications opened on 22 July 2026.

3. How much scholarship can students receive under the SBI Asha Scholarship?

The scholarship amount varies according to the applicant’s course and category. Financial assistance ranges from up to ₹15,000 for Classes 9–12 to up to ₹15 lakh for eligible overseas postgraduate programmes. IIT, IIM, medical, undergraduate and postgraduate students are also covered under separate scholarship amounts.

4. Who is eligible for the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026?

Eligible applicants include students studying in Classes 9–12, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, MBBS courses, IITs, IIMs and eligible NIRF/NAAC institutions. Indian students pursuing master’s programmes at eligible QS Top 200 international universities may also apply. Academic performance and family-income criteria vary by category.

5. How can I apply for the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026?

Students can apply online through the official SBI Asha Scholarship portal at www.sbiashascholarship.co.in. Applicants need to register, select the appropriate scholarship category, enter their personal and academic details, upload the required documents and submit the application before the deadline.