MoPNG Showcases Energy Innovation at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

07 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has actively participated in Startup Mahakumbh 2025, being held from April 3-5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Oil and Gas PSUs have established robust frameworks to incubate, mentor, and fund innovative startups. A total of 32 PSU-backed startups are participating in Startup Mahakumbh 2025. ONGC’s startup fund has seen a 450 per cent growth in valuation over five years, with WellRx—its first oilfield startup under the Startup India Policy—expanding its energy solutions to over 120 countries. IndianOil has funded 42 startups under its IndS_UP initiative, generating 86 intellectual properties and 635 jobs. Oil India supports deeptech ventures such as Caliche Private Limited, which specializes in biochemical sand influx control for oil wells, and Carbonation India Private Limited, which develops sustainable waste management solutions for the oil and gas sector.

Expert participation from PSU officials added significant value to Startup Mahakumbh 2025, offering startups access to decades of industry experience and strategic insights. A total of 14 senior executives from leading PSU oil and gas companies shared their expertise on research monetization, EV innovation, manufacturing integration, and mobility solutions. Chairman, ONGC was part of opening pleanary session. Other sessions featured insights on investment strategies for electrification, policy incentives for EV innovation, acceleration of last-mile EV mobility etc.. The event also hosted an incubation roundtable titled “From Lab to Market – Unlocking Research Monetization,” featuring senior executives from BPCL, ONGC, Oil India, and HPCL.

Following the grand success of its inaugural edition, which was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is themed ‘Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story.’ The event has expanded significantly, with over 3,000 startups from 11 thematic sectors participating alongside more than 1,000 investors and incubators, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has consistently supported and recognized innovation, as demonstrated during India Energy Week 2025, held from 11th to 14th February at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, Delhi. The ‘Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge’ identified and rewarded startups making advancements in CO? capture, ESG solutions, and renewable energy. Additionally, the ‘Vasudha – Oil and Gas Startup Challenge’ recognized international startups pioneering AI-driven solutions in the upstream oil and gas sector.

Other PSUs are also driving innovation. EIL’s EngSUI initiative has supported 31 startups with Rs 350 million, funding projects in industrial enzymes, compostable polymers, and carbon capture. HPCL’s HP Udgam program has provided Rs 350 million in seed funding to 29 startups, including Maraal Aerospace, which develops solar-powered long-range drones. BPCL’s Ankur program has funded 30 startups with Rs 280 million, helping them raise $132 million and achieve a cumulative valuation of $300 million. GAIL’s Pankh initiative supports startups in energy, logistics, and industrial technology, with ventures showcasing solutions in pipeline repair, biogas generation, and sustainable materials.

Through these sustained efforts, MoPNG and its PSUs are fostering a technology-driven and sustainable energy ecosystem, empowering startups to lead India’s energy transition and innovation landscape.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has actively participated in Startup Mahakumbh 2025, being held from April 3-5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Oil and Gas PSUs have established robust frameworks to incubate, mentor, and fund innovative startups. A total of 32 PSU-backed startups are participating in Startup Mahakumbh 2025. ONGC’s startup fund has seen a 450 per cent growth in valuation over five years, with WellRx—its first oilfield startup under the Startup India Policy—expanding its energy solutions to over 120 countries. IndianOil has funded 42 startups under its IndS_UP initiative, generating 86 intellectual properties and 635 jobs. Oil India supports deeptech ventures such as Caliche Private Limited, which specializes in biochemical sand influx control for oil wells, and Carbonation India Private Limited, which develops sustainable waste management solutions for the oil and gas sector. Expert participation from PSU officials added significant value to Startup Mahakumbh 2025, offering startups access to decades of industry experience and strategic insights. A total of 14 senior executives from leading PSU oil and gas companies shared their expertise on research monetization, EV innovation, manufacturing integration, and mobility solutions. Chairman, ONGC was part of opening pleanary session. Other sessions featured insights on investment strategies for electrification, policy incentives for EV innovation, acceleration of last-mile EV mobility etc.. The event also hosted an incubation roundtable titled “From Lab to Market – Unlocking Research Monetization,” featuring senior executives from BPCL, ONGC, Oil India, and HPCL. Following the grand success of its inaugural edition, which was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is themed ‘Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story.’ The event has expanded significantly, with over 3,000 startups from 11 thematic sectors participating alongside more than 1,000 investors and incubators, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has consistently supported and recognized innovation, as demonstrated during India Energy Week 2025, held from 11th to 14th February at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, Delhi. The ‘Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge’ identified and rewarded startups making advancements in CO? capture, ESG solutions, and renewable energy. Additionally, the ‘Vasudha – Oil and Gas Startup Challenge’ recognized international startups pioneering AI-driven solutions in the upstream oil and gas sector. Other PSUs are also driving innovation. EIL’s EngSUI initiative has supported 31 startups with Rs 350 million, funding projects in industrial enzymes, compostable polymers, and carbon capture. HPCL’s HP Udgam program has provided Rs 350 million in seed funding to 29 startups, including Maraal Aerospace, which develops solar-powered long-range drones. BPCL’s Ankur program has funded 30 startups with Rs 280 million, helping them raise $132 million and achieve a cumulative valuation of $300 million. GAIL’s Pankh initiative supports startups in energy, logistics, and industrial technology, with ventures showcasing solutions in pipeline repair, biogas generation, and sustainable materials. Through these sustained efforts, MoPNG and its PSUs are fostering a technology-driven and sustainable energy ecosystem, empowering startups to lead India’s energy transition and innovation landscape.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Sep 2025

Adani Power To Build 2,400 MW Plant in Bihar

Adani Power on Saturday (September 13, 2025) announced plans to set up a 2,400 MW ultra super-critical power plant in Bihar at an investment of $3 billion (around Rs 26.48 billion).The company has signed a 25-year Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd (BSPGCL) to supply electricity from the project, which will be located at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur district.The PSA follows a Letter of Award issued by BSPGCL to Adani Power on behalf of North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) in August. Adani P..

Infrastructure Energy

17 Sep 2025

NTPC Plans Nuclear Power Projects Via JV and Standalone Routes

Power major NTPC is planning to develop nuclear power projects both through joint ventures and on a standalone basis, CMD Gurdeep Singh has said.The company is collaborating with nuclear technology providers and state governments to explore individual nuclear projects, Singh added.Currently, the NTPC Group has an installed capacity of 82,926 MW across 53 NTPC-owned stations and 53 joint venture or subsidiary stations, drawing power from coal, liquid fuel, hydro, and solar sources.In December 2024, Singh had announced NTPC’s ambitious plan to enter the nuclear energy sector, a move expected t..

Infrastructure Transport

17 Sep 2025

RVNL Wins $21.6 Million Bhopal Division Traction Substation

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has been declared the lowest bidder for a $21.6 million traction substation contract awarded by the West Central Railway.The project covers the design, modification, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of a 220/132kV/2×25kV Scott-connected traction substation, switching posts, Auto-Transformer installations, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in the Bina–RTA section of the Bhopal Division. The execution period is set at 540 days.In a regulatory filing, RVNL stated that the order was secured in the ordinary course of business and doe..