Startups Take Center Stage in India’s Push for Climate Innovation

Avaana Capital and Startup India Partner to Award Top Climate Tech Solutions

Avaana Capital, a leading climate tech investor, and Startup India, a government initiative promoting entrepreneurship, concluded the Avaana Capital – Startup India Grand Challenge for ClimateTech Innovation. The event, held at Vanijya Bhawan, aimed to identify and support innovative startups tackling climate change challenges.

The initiative, supported by organizations like NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission and SIDBI, received over 400 applications across various sectors like energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and water management.

A distinguished jury, including industry leaders and academic experts, selected 12 finalists: Zerocircle, Cancrie, Sangti, CarbonTrail, Banofi, MiniMines, Baud Resources, Recyclers, AquaNurch, Greenpod labs (winner), Ambiator (runner-up), and Nexus Power (second runner-up).

Winners received awards totaling ₹1 crore, grants up to ₹2 crore, and support from AWS, Google, and industry mentors. Additionally, all participants benefited from mentorship sessions hosted by organizations like Tata Power and RMI.

Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner, Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund: “This event showcased the critical role of collaboration in driving impactful climate solutions. We are dedicated to fostering sustainable innovations and optimistic that such initiatives will pave the way for a resilient future.”

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa: “The Grand Challenge illuminated the path to a sustainable future. It’s crucial for stakeholders to unite and support these transformative solutions shaping our sustainable tomorrow.”

The Grand Finale underscored India’s potential to achieve net-zero emissions through collaborative efforts between startups, policymakers, and industry leaders.