The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas showcased its unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable energy development during Startup Mahakumbh 2025, which took place from April 3 to 5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event, themed “Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story,” provided a grand stage for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting over 3,000 startups from 11 thematic sectors and more than 1,000 investors and incubators.
The Ministry, through its Public Sector Undertakings, presented a robust framework for innovation, funding, and mentorship to help startups drive India’s energy transition. A total of 32 PSU-backed startups participated, reflecting the initiatives’ expansive reach and impact. ONGC’s startup fund emerged as a standout success story, achieving a remarkable 450 percent growth in valuation over five years. Its first oilfield startup, WellRx, launched under the Startup India Policy, now extends its energy solutions to over 120 countries. IndianOil further strengthened its support for innovation by funding 42 startups under its IndS_UP initiative, generating 86 intellectual properties and creating 635 jobs.
Several noteworthy ventures have been nurtured under Oil India’s deeptech initiatives, including Caliche Private Limited, which specializes in biochemical sand influx control for oil wells, and Carbonation India Private Limited, known for its sustainable waste management solutions. Beyond these projects, HPCL’s HP Udgam program provided $4.2 million in seed funding to 29 startups, supporting innovative companies like Maraal Aerospace, which develops solar-powered long-range drones. BPCL’s Ankur program funded 30 startups with $3.4 million, enabling these ventures to raise an additional $132 million and achieve a cumulative valuation of $300 million.
The event’s strategic engagements included participation from 14 senior executives representing leading oil and gas PSUs, offering invaluable insights into key areas such as EV innovation, research monetization, and manufacturing integration. Sessions on investment strategies for electrification and last-mile EV mobility explored how the nation can better harness policy incentives to accelerate progress in these areas. The incubation roundtable, titled “From Lab to Market – Unlocking Research Monetization,” brought together senior representatives from BPCL, ONGC, Oil India, and HPCL, emphasizing the importance of transitioning cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions.
Startup Mahakumbh 2025, following the grand success of its inaugural edition inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cemented its place as a key platform for innovation. This year, the event saw a significant expansion, aligning with the nation’s vision for an inclusive and innovation-driven future by 2047.
The Ministry also highlighted its innovation-centric achievements during India Energy Week 2025, held in February at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka. Programs such as ‘Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge’ celebrated advancements in carbon capture, ESG solutions, and renewable energy, while the ‘Vasudha – Oil and Gas Startup Challenge’ recognized international startups pioneering AI-driven solutions in the upstream oil and gas sector.
Through these efforts, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is not only empowering startups but also driving a technology-oriented and sustainable energy ecosystem. The broader implications of these initiatives extend beyond entrepreneurship, as they support India’s pivotal role in the global energy transition and strengthen its position as a leader in innovation-led growth.
