On May 17, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to foster climate-tech entrepreneurship in India. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in the clean energy and manufacturing sectors, aligning with India’s net-zero ambitions.
Objectives of the Partnership
Empowering Climate-Tech Startups
The two-year partnership, with a provision for extension, will support early-stage climate-tech startups by providing funding access, mentorship, pilot opportunities, and market linkages. The initiative seeks to build a robust pipeline of scalable ventures that contribute to India’s sustainable development goals.
Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE)
Driving High-Impact Solutions
As part of the MoU, GEAPP will launch the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE), a competitive platform offering up to $500,000 in rewards for innovative clean energy solutions. Investment support will be facilitated through partners like Spectrum Impact and Avana Capital, encouraging startups to develop high-impact technologies.
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| ENTICE | Up to $500,000 in rewards for clean energy solutions |
| Investment Support | Facilitated by Spectrum Impact and Avana Capital |
Role of DPIIT and Startup India
Leveraging National Networks
DPIIT will connect the program to the Startup India network, anchoring outreach through major government schemes. This integration ensures that climate-tech startups gain access to resources and opportunities to scale their innovations, strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Leadership Perspectives
Championing Climate Leadership
Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, emphasized that India’s climate leadership relies on a strong entrepreneurial base. He highlighted the partnership’s potential to enable clean energy startups to scale technologies that support India’s net-zero objectives. Saurabh Kumar, Vice President – India, GEAPP, described the MoU as a pivotal step towards systemic change, leveraging GEAPP’s global experience and DPIIT’s institutional support to foster clean energy entrepreneurship.
Signing of the MoU
A Collaborative Milestone
The MoU was signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal and Saurabh Kumar in the presence of senior officials from both organizations on May 17, 2025. This agreement marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards a sustainable and innovation-driven future.
Key Highlights of the Event
- DPIIT-GEAPP MoU signed on May 17, 2025, to promote climate-tech entrepreneurship.
- Two-year partnership to support clean energy startups with funding and mentorship.
- Launch of ENTICE with up to $500,000 for innovative solutions.
- Integration with Startup India to enhance outreach and resources.
- Focus on India’s net-zero ambitions and sustainable development.