Climate Tech Incubator

Student Launchpad Program Season 2

A program developed in collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI)and T-Hub, as part of Sustainability Garage – a Mercedes-Benz Initiative.

Up to ₹50,000 grant per team | Mentorship from MBRDI Team and Industry Experts  | Prototyping Workshop and Market Lab Access.

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

Transform Ideas into Climate Tech Prototypes

The Climate Tech Incubator program is a joint initiative by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and T-Hub, designed to empower student innovators focused on solving the world's most pressing climate and mobility challenges.

We aim to harness bold new ideas to address critical challenges in the battle against climate change. Through a rigorous 12-week acceleration program with mentorship, prototyping workshops, maker lab access, and innovation grants, the Launchpad equips the next generation to lead the charge in building impactful technologies for a greener future.

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What You Get:

Real problem statements: Released by Dhruva Space each cohort, drawn from real industry needs.
Infrastructure from day 0: Dhruva Space's labs, testing environments, and supply chain.
Hands-on venture building: Active co-building with T-Hub, from idea to incorporated company.
Pilot pathways: Validated ventures can pilot with Dhruva Space or other partners.
Your first raise, supported: Grant and investor introductions through T-Hub's 200+ investor network. Dhruva Space may also invest directly, on mutually agreed terms.
100% of the company: No equity for participating. The IP is yours. Equity changes hands only if a partner invests money in you — on mutually agreed terms.

Driving Transformative Impact

In Season 1, the Climate Tech Incubator brought together student innovators to build solutions for a more sustainable future. Here's the impact we created together.

6 Colleges

Engaged via Bootcamps (ideation, solution)

560+

Students Reached

11 Teams

Teams Incubated

UpTo 50K

Prototype Grant

15+

Sector experts

MBRDI Mentorship

Technical sector expertise

Building on this foundation, Season 2 expands to Karnataka and Maharashtra, adds more cities and colleges, and sharpens the focus on taking ideas all the way to working prototypes.

How The Program Works

12 in-person bootcamps across top engineering colleges in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Each bootcamp is an intensive 6-hour session covering climate tech fundamentals, design thinking, problem identification, and ideation. Open to all students; no prior startup or technical experience needed.
An intensive build-heavy program designed to take your idea from concept to a working prototype. Selected teams receive structured mentorship, prototyping workshops, maker lab access, innovation grants, and weekly check-ins everything you need to turn a climate tech idea into something real.

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How are teams selected? Through a combined process of bootcamp submissions and an open Call for Applications, we will shortlist and select a cohort of 18–20 student teams for the Climate Tech Incubator Program.

Focus Areas - Climate Tech Sub-Themes

The program focuses on four critical areas of climate technology, each addressing urgent challenges in sustainability, mobility, and environmental resilience.
Road Safety & Human-Centric Mobility
Advancing safer mobility systems through behavior change, technology, and intelligent transport solutions.
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Road Safety Intelligence & Analytic
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Smart Infrastructure for Safety
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Behavior Change & Awareness
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Emergency Response & Trauma
Electric & Low-Carbon Mobility
Accelerating the transition to clean mobility through electrification, energy efficiency and next-generation EV ecosystems.
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EV Charging & Energy Infrastructure
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Battery Systems & Energy Storage
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Charging Grid & Energy Integration
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EV Efficiency
Circular Economy & Sustainable Materials
Enabling resource efficiency through reuse, recycling, and sustainable material innovation across mobility and industrial systems.
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Battery Circularity & Recycling
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E-Waste & Electronic Circularity
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Sustainable & Bio-Based Materials
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Automotive Circular Systems
Climate Intelligence & Energy Resilience
Leveraging data, AI, and clean energy innovation to build climate-resilient, efficient, and intelligent urban systems.
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Urban Climate & Environmental Intelligence
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Data Center Optimization
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Nature-Based Solutions & Resilience Tech
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Green Energy & Grid Optimization

Who Can Join?

To be eligible for the Launchpad program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Development Stage: Participants should be at the early stages of idea development and ready to progress from concept to working prototype during the program.
Sector Focus: The proposed idea must address one of the four Climate Tech sub-themes defined by the program  Road Safety & Mobility, Electric & Low-Carbon Mobility, Circular Economy & Sustainable Materials, or Climate Intelligence & Energy Resilience.
Academic Background: Applicants must be students currently enrolled in engineering, environmental science, design, business, or related disciplines at colleges across India. We strongly encourage cross-disciplinary teams to apply.
Innovation Potential: The idea should offer a unique, practical approach to solving a climate-related problem, with clear potential for development into a functional prototype.
Commitment: Participants must be fully committed to engaging in all aspects of the program, including mentorship sessions, workshops, maker lab build days, weekly check-ins, and Demo Day.

What's in Store for You

Explore the key elements of the Launchpad that will guide you from idea to prototype.
Product Design & Development: Engage in hands-on sessions to develop and refine your product's design, ensuring it meets real-world needs and user expectations.
Mentorship: Receive personalized one-on-one guidance from industry experts to help you overcome challenges and hit key milestones.
Prototyping Workshops: Participate in structured workshops that provide the tools, techniques, and knowledge to build a functional prototype of your climate tech solution.
Maker Lab Access: Get access to fully equipped maker labs with 3D printing, electronics prototyping, and rapid fabrication capabilities to bring your ideas to life.
₹50,000 Innovation Grant: Each selected team receives an innovation grant for prototype development  covering raw materials, electronics, components, and consumables.
Progress Tracking: Regular check-ins and milestone reviews to keep your team on course, with real-time support and roadmap adjustments throughout the program.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with potential partners, industry stakeholders, and ecosystem players through curated interactions and program events.
Demo Day: Showcase your prototype in a final presentation to MBRDI leadership, industry experts, and ecosystem stakeholders.

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Program Modules

Each stage of the program is crafted to equip you with the skills and insights needed to thrive in Climate Tech. Transform concepts into reality with a clear, structured approach to innovation.
Spark
Kickstart your journey with an immersive introduction to product life cycles, innovation strategies, and the founder's mindset.
Market Research
Delve into comprehensive market analysis, customer segmentation, competitive landscape, and viability assessments.
User Research
Engage in hands-on research, conducting surveys and gathering critical data to understand your target audience and their needs.
Ideation
Blend creativity with structure as you generate and refine ideas, paving the way for breakthrough innovations that stand out.
Value Proposition & Business Model Canvas
Master the art of crafting a compelling value proposition and aligning it with customer needs.
Hardware & Build Lab
Hands-on maker lab sessions covering 3D printing, electronics prototyping, and rapid fabrication translating your digital design into a physical working prototype.
Product Design (UI/UX)
Focus on the design aspects, creating a user experience that resonates and engages your audience, turning them into advocates.
Prototyping
Bring your ideas to life by developing a working prototype that captures the essence of your vision, ready for testing and iteration.
Refine
Incorporate real-world feedback to fine-tune your product, ensuring it meets market demands and exceeds expectations.

Program Timelines

1 October 2026
Applications Open
Applications Close
15 November 2026
21  December 2026
Final Selection & Cohort Announcement
Program Launch
5 January 2027

FAQs

What is the Climate Tech Launchpad Program?

The Climate Tech Launchpad is an intensive program empowering student innovators from Bengaluru 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 can apply. 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 Bengaluru 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 Bengaluru and Pune. The Launchpad program combines virtual sessions with in-person workshops and build days at maker labs in Bengaluru 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.

Ready to Build the Future of Climate Tech?

Applications are open for student teams in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Submit your climate tech idea and join the Launchpad.

Apply Now

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