Energy Innovation Accelerator Launched In Hyderabad
IIT Hyderabad has launched an energy innovation accelerator offering startups funding, technical support and testing opportunities for AI and other technologies.
Energy start-ups developing AI, robotics and other technologies for the oil and gas sector can now access funding, technical support and real-world testing opportunities through a new initiative anchored by IIT Hyderabad.
GAIL (India) Ltd, Petronet LNG Ltd, MC² Foundation and IIT Hyderabad’s iTIC Incubator have brought the MC² Plus energy innovation accelerator to the city. Selected startups can receive convertible funding up to ₹50 lakh and milestone-based support up to ₹1.5 crore, with the programme aiming to support 30 ventures.
The Hyderabad edition focuses on digital asset management, using AI, sensors, robotics, drones and digital twins to make energy infrastructure “intelligent”. GAIL CMD Deepak Gupta said India was at a “remarkable inflection point” with rising demand and the need for cleaner, secure energy. Petronet LNG managing director Akshay Kumar Singh highlighted opportunities such as harnessing cold energy wasted during LNG regasification and improving compressed biogas yields.
The programme covers seven areas including AI-driven subsurface intelligence, next-generation drilling, refinery process intensification, bio-energy, hydrogen and mobility. IIT Hyderabad director Prof. B.S. Murty said the partnership would help move research and startup ideas closer to deployment. The launch also featured sessions on innovation and entrepreneurship and a presentation on Avinya’27, the Energy Startup Challenge and India Energy Week 2027.