The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) actively participated in Startup Mahakumbh 2025, held from April 3–5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Oil and Gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) showcased their innovation-driven efforts by supporting 32 startups at the event. These initiatives are part of a robust framework built by the PSUs to incubate, mentor, and fund innovative ventures, accelerating India’s energy transformation.
ONGC’s startup fund has demonstrated remarkable growth, witnessing a 450% increase in valuation over the last five years. Its flagship startup, WellRx—the first oilfield startup under the Startup India Policy—has expanded its energy solutions to over 120 countries. IndianOil, through its IndS_UP initiative, has funded 42 startups, leading to the creation of 86 intellectual properties and 635 jobs. Oil India supports deeptech ventures such as Caliche Private Limited, which specializes in biochemical sand influx control, and Carbonation India Private Limited, which focuses on sustainable waste management for the oil and gas sector.
Senior officials from PSU oil and gas companies enriched the event through active participation and thought leadership. Fourteen senior executives shared insights on research monetization, electric vehicle (EV) innovation, manufacturing integration, and mobility solutions. ONGC’s Chairman joined the opening plenary session, while other sessions delved into strategies for investment in electrification, EV policy incentives, and the acceleration of last-mile EV mobility. A notable session, “From Lab to Market – Unlocking Research Monetization,” brought together leaders from BPCL, ONGC, Oil India, and HPCL to discuss how research can be commercialized effectively.
Startup Mahakumbh 2025, themed ‘Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story’, has grown significantly since its first edition. This year, it featured over 3,000 startups from 11 sectors, more than 1,000 investors, and numerous incubators—creating a thriving environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
MoPNG has been a consistent promoter of innovation. During India Energy Week 2025, held from February 11–14 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, the Ministry launched initiatives such as ‘Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge’ to recognize advancements in CO₂ capture, ESG solutions, and renewable energy. The ‘Vasudha – Oil and Gas Startup Challenge’ acknowledged international startups driving AI-based innovations in the upstream oil and gas domain.
Other oil and gas PSUs are also pushing the innovation frontier. Engineers India Limited (EIL), through its EngSUI initiative, has supported 31 startups with ₹35 crore, backing developments in industrial enzymes, compostable polymers, and carbon capture. HPCL’s ‘HP Udgam’ program has provided ₹35 crore in seed funding to 29 startups, including Maraal Aerospace, known for its solar-powered long-range drones. BPCL’s ‘Ankur’ program has supported 30 startups with ₹28 crore, helping them raise $132 million and attain a cumulative valuation of $300 million. GAIL’s ‘Pankh’ initiative promotes ventures focused on pipeline repair, biogas generation, and sustainable materials.
Through these sustained efforts, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and its PSUs are playing a pivotal role in building a technology-led, sustainable energy ecosystem. Their support continues to empower Indian startups, enabling them to drive innovation and lead the country’s energy transition.
