New Programme to Back India’s Clean Energy Startups with Global Expertise and Local Vision

India’s climate tech sector is set for a powerful new boost with the launch of Startupbootcamp India (SBC India)—a high-impact pre-accelerator programme tailored for clean energy startups. A joint initiative by Startupbootcamp Australia and BRK Ventures, this programme is set to unlock a new era of sustainable innovation by identifying and supporting 12 of the most promising early-stage climate tech ventures from a pool of over 300 applicants.

Officially launched on June 23, 2025, the three-month programme begins in August 2025, offering selected startups the tools, mentorship, and industry linkages required to scale solutions across key domains like AI-powered energy systems, smart grids, renewable integration, energy storage, green hydrogen, blockchain in decentralised energy, and decarbonisation technologies.

Fast-Tracking India’s Energy Transition

India stands at a defining moment in its energy transition journey. As the country races toward its net-zero commitment by 2070 and its ambition to become a $35 trillion economy by 2047, the demand for scalable clean-tech solutions is higher than ever. SBC India addresses this need by giving early-stage founders a structured runway to grow their ideas into viable, market-ready ventures.

“India has the talent, urgency, and scale to drive impactful climate solutions,” said Trevor Townsend, CEO of Startupbootcamp Australia. “By backing early-stage founders in energy transition sectors, we aim to foster commercially viable ventures that accelerate decarbonisation and create meaningful international collaboration opportunities.”

A Global-Local Collaboration Model

The programme is a textbook case of glocal synergy—combining global expertise from Startupbootcamp Australia with on-ground insight and early-stage capital support from BRK Ventures, a leading Indian venture catalyst.

“India’s energy transition needs a 360-degree approach to solve challenges like pollution, flooding, and climate-linked agricultural stress,” said Kamal Bansal, Managing Partner at BRK Ventures. “Through our partnership with Startupbootcamp Australia, we aim to empower startups that can solve not just India’s problems, but global ones too.”

Who Can Apply?

SBC India is designed for founders in the ideation, MVP (Minimum Viable Product), or pre-revenue stages, working on solutions in the climate and clean energy space. Applications are open till July 31, 2025, and only 12 startups will make the final cut. Those selected will gain access to:

• Hands-on mentorship from global industry experts
  
• Market linkages to potential customers and partners
  
• Support in fundraising and pitch preparation
  
• Access to the global SBC alumni network
  
• Investor Showcase Day in November 2025, with marquee VCs, family offices, and corporate investors in attendance
  

Backed by Industry Leaders

The programme also enjoys support from global giants such as Shell, Microsoft, AWS, Mitsubishi, and Bosch, all of whom bring unique resources, insights, and validation opportunities to the participating startups. This ecosystem-driven model is poised to help bridge the critical funding gap that often prevents innovative climate tech startups from progressing beyond prototype.

Building Climate Tech from the Ground Up

The unique positioning of this pre-accelerator lies in its laser focus on climate tech. Unlike generic startup programmes, SBC India zeroes in on the nuanced needs of founders solving climate resilience, energy access, and sustainability challenges.

Sectors of focus include:

• AI-powered smart energy systems
  
• Integration of renewable energy into traditional grids
  
• Advanced battery and hydrogen storage systems
  
• Green hydrogen production and distribution
  
• Blockchain for decentralised power management
  
• End-to-end decarbonisation tools for industry and cities
  

By curating a cohort of innovators across these high-impact categories, SBC India hopes to accelerate both technology readiness and market entry, while helping investors discover high-potential, climate-aligned startups early.

India as a Global Climate Tech Hub

India is fast emerging as a hotbed for climate innovation, with its massive population, fast-growing economy, and urgent climate vulnerabilities. Reports suggest that the country will require over $10 trillion in climate-related investments by 2070 to meet its decarbonisation targets. Programmes like Startupbootcamp India play a vital role in catalysing early-stage climate finance and transforming policy ambitions into market realities.

Moreover, the Indian government’s focus on green industrialisation, EV infrastructure, and clean energy corridors adds a strong tailwind for climate tech entrepreneurs looking to solve complex, systems-level challenges.

Showcase Day: November 2025

The culmination of the three-month programme will be an Investor Showcase Day in November 2025, where the 12 selected startups will pitch their solutions to a curated audience of:

• Venture capitalists
  
• Corporate venture arms
  
• Impact investors
  
• Energy and sustainability policy experts
  
• International development agencies
  

This platform will offer high-visibility fundraising and partnership opportunities, helping startups move from ideation to go-to-market with confidence and credibility.

Beyond Acceleration: Creating Scalable Impact

SBC India’s model reflects a new kind of venture building approach—one that understands that climate innovation requires longer cycles, deeper domain expertise, and higher-risk appetite. With global mentorship, structured curriculum, and access to international pilots and customers, the programme creates an environment where climate innovators don’t just survive—they thrive.

Whether it’s improving grid resilience with AI or enabling microgrids through blockchain, the startups supported by SBC India have the potential to become global champions of sustainable innovation.

A Climate Tech Spark with Global Ambition

Startupbootcamp India is more than just an accelerator—it’s a signal of confidence in India’s ability to lead the global charge toward climate resilience, clean energy access, and green industrial growth. With its international backbone and local heart, SBC India is positioned to create a blueprint for climate entrepreneurship in the Global South.

As the programme gets underway in August 2025, all eyes will be on the 12 startups selected to carry India’s clean-tech torch into the future.

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