Climate Tech Launchpad Program
A Sustainability Garage initiative by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, in partnership with T-Hub
Up to 50K grant per team | Mentorship from MBRDI Team and Industry Experts | Prototyping Workshop and Market Lab Access
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What is the Climate Tech Launchpad Program?
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The Climate Tech Launchpad is an intensive program empowering student innovators from Bangalore and Pune to develop working prototypes addressing critical climate and mobility challenges. It's a joint initiative by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and T-Hub, under the Sustainability Garage umbrella.
Who can apply?
Students currently enrolled in engineering, environmental science, design, business, or related disciplines at colleges in Bangalore or Pune. Cross-disciplinary teams are strongly encouraged. Your idea must address one of the four Climate Tech sub-themes defined by the program.
What is the structure of the program?
The program has two main phases: (1) Idea Innovation Bootcamps 12 in-person bootcamps across colleges in Bangalore and Pune covering climate tech, design thinking, and ideation, and (2) the Climate Tech Launchpad an intensive build-heavy acceleration program with mentorship, workshops, maker lab access, and a final Demo Day showcase.
How are participants selected?
Participants are selected based on their proposed climate tech solutions. Evaluation criteria include problem-solution alignment, innovation potential, team strength, social impact potential, and technical viability specifically, whether the idea can realistically be developed into a working prototype. The top 18–20 teams will be selected for the Launchpad program
What is the ₹50K Innovation Grant?
Each selected team receives up to ₹50,000 for prototype development expenses covering raw materials, electronics, mechanical components, and prototyping consumables. The grant is disbursed on a reimbursement basis against verified prototype milestones.
What is the time commitment?
The Launchpad program runs from January to April 2027. Teams must participate in mentorship sessions, workshops, maker lab build days, weekly check-ins, and Demo Day. Bootcamps are standalone 6-hour sessions held at individual colleges between August and October 2026.
Where will the program take place?
Bootcamps are held on college campuses in Bangalore and Pune. The Launchpad program combines virtual sessions with in-person workshops and build days at maker labs in Bangalore and Pune. The Demo Day venue will be confirmed closer to the event.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. The program is fully funded through MBRDI's CSR initiative. Selected teams also receive the ₹50K innovation grant for prototype development.
If you have any questions, fill the form and we will get back to you
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