Pune: Venture Center, in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and CSIR-NCL, will host “Advancing Energy Innovations” on September 3, 2026, at CSIR-NCL, Pune.
The programme will bring together leaders from industry, research and the innovation ecosystem to discuss developments in energy transition, hydrogen, mobility and clean energy.
The advancing energy innovations programme will feature a keynote address, expert talks, an Energy Innovation Showcase and knowledge-sharing sessions around mc²+ IGNITE, India’s flagship energy innovation accelerator.
Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, FRS (Padma Vibhushan), will deliver the keynote address at the event. The expert sessions will feature Shri A S Sahney, Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL.
Discussions will focus on the future of hydrogen and mobility, along with broader developments linked to the energy transition.
Energy Innovation Showcase to Highlight Six Innovators
As part of the advancing energy innovations programme, the event will feature an Energy Innovation Showcase highlighting six innovators working across mobility, hydrogen and energy.
The showcase will feature EKA, h2e Power, NobleExchange, Pune Hydrogen Valley, KPIT, and Rechargion. The participating innovators will showcase emerging technologies and solutions addressing key challenges associated with the energy transition.
The showcase is expected to provide a platform for highlighting innovation across critical areas of the energy ecosystem, including hydrogen, mobility and clean energy.
Focus on mc²+ IGNITE Energy Innovation Accelerator
A key component of advancing energy innovations will be mc²+ IGNITE, the energy innovation accelerator of mc²+.
The programme supports early-stage startups through funding, mentorship, infrastructure access and a pilot-to-procurement pathway with India’s energy majors.
The accelerator offers up to ₹50 lakh in convertible funding and up to ₹1.5 crore in milestone-based funding. It aims to support up to 30 high-potential early-stage startups across seven themes.
Through mc²+ IGNITE, startups working on energy transition-related technologies can access support designed to help them progress from early-stage innovation towards pilots and procurement opportunities with energy majors.
The advancing energy innovations initiative will also provide an opportunity for founders, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, faculty and innovators to learn more about opportunities in the energy transition ecosystem.
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Applications for mc²+ IGNITE Open Until September 15
The event is open to startup founders, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, faculty and innovators exploring opportunities across energy transition, hydrogen, mobility and clean energy.
Applications for mc²+ IGNITE are currently open and will remain open until September 15, 2026.
The advancing energy innovations programme is being organized by Venture Center in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and CSIR-NCL.
The event will bring together stakeholders from industry, research and innovation to discuss emerging opportunities and solutions in the evolving energy landscape.
Advancing Energy Innovations: Event Details
- Event: Advancing Energy Innovations
- Date: September 3, 2026
- Time: 2:30 PM–5:30 PM
- Venue: NCL Auditorium, CSIR-NCL, Pune
- Organized by: Venture Center | Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) | CSIR-NCL
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, FRS (Padma Vibhushan)
- Key Programme: mc²+ IGNITE
- Application Deadline for mc²+ IGNITE: September 15, 2026
The advancing energy innovations programme will bring together stakeholders working across hydrogen, mobility, energy transition and clean energy, with the event also showcasing innovators and the support available through the mc²+ IGNITE accelerator.
