BPCL Invites Startups for ‘Elevate’ Cohort Under Ankur Fund, Sharpens Focus on Green Tech & Cybersecurity

In India’s fast-transforming energy landscape, the next wave of innovation may come not from legacy giants but from agile young startups. Recognising this shift — and doubling down on its ambition to build a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy ecosystem — Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has opened applications for its brand-new ‘Elevate’ cohort under the BPCL Ankur Fund.

For a sector at the heart of India’s growth story, this move signals a clear message: the future of energy will be powered not just by infrastructure, but by ideas.

Launched as part of BPCL’s flagship startup programme ‘Ankur’, the Elevate cohort aims to identify and accelerate high-potential startups building solutions in two deeply strategic areas — Green Technology and Cybersecurity & Resilience for Energy Operations.
Together, these two verticals reflect BPCL’s long-term mission: to enable India’s energy transition while fortifying the digital backbone of critical infrastructure.

BPCL Ankur Fund

BPCL is no newcomer to the startup ecosystem. Since launching Ankur in 2016, the Fortune Global 500 company has steadily built an innovation pipeline that supports groundbreaking solutions across the energy value chain. In nine years, it has backed 30 startups with ₹28 crore in grant funding, helping ideas turn into viable technologies and solutions that plug directly into industry needs.

With Elevate, BPCL now intends to scale that impact — and fast.

Applications Open Till December 9, 2025

The newly launched cohort is inviting applications from startups that have already crossed the validation stage and now want to scale. Eligible startups include those with a PoC, prototype, MVP, or fully implemented solution, especially those ready to adapt their offerings to the Oil & Gas sector.

The last date for submission is December 9, 2025.

This cohort will focus on two mission-critical themes:

Green Tech: Powering India’s Low-Carbon Future

As India races towards energy transition milestones, BPCL is looking for innovations that can boost efficiency, reduce emissions, and unlock scalable clean energy models.

Startups working in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Solar & Wind Power

• Battery Energy Storage Systems

• Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS)

• Green Hydrogen

• Circular Economy Solutions

These priorities align squarely with BPCL’s aggressive sustainability roadmap, particularly its vision to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Cybersecurity & Resilience for Energy Operations

As energy systems become increasingly digitised, threats are no longer just physical — they’re also virtual. Ensuring seamless, secure operations across refineries, pipelines, and digital infrastructure is now a top national priority.

BPCL is seeking startups that can strengthen resilience through innovations in:

• Threat Detection & Intrusion Prevention

• Data Protection, Encryption & Privacy

• Fraud Detection & Prevention

• Blockchain & Transaction Security

• Compliance & Risk Management

• AI-driven Cyber Threat Intelligence

• Adaptive Cybersecurity Technologies

Strengthening India’s energy security now requires a new generation of cyber warriors — and BPCL wants to back them early.

Up to ₹5 Crore Funding Per Startup

To fuel these ambitions, the Ankur Fund is offering up to ₹5 crore per startup, through equity or Compulsory Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS). Importantly, BPCL is capping its stake at 20%, ensuring a founder-friendly structure that empowers startups rather than overpowering them.

To ensure robustness in screening and monitoring, BPCL has also onboarded IDBI Capital Market & Securities Ltd. (ICMS) as its consultant for proposal evaluation, due diligence, and post-investment support.

Startups can apply at: startup.bpcl.in

About BPCL: A Maharatna Driving India’s Energy Transformation

BPCL is India’s second-largest Oil Marketing Company and a Maharatna PSU with a deep-rooted national presence. It operates three major refineries — Mumbai, Kochi, and Bina — with a combined refining capacity of 35.3 MMTPA.

Its extensive retail network includes:

• 23,500+ fuel stations

• 6,200+ LPG distributors

• 6,500+ EV charging stations

BPCL has been building infrastructure, pipelines, storage, and aviation fuel systems for decades — but what stands out today is its growing commitment to sustainability. With a comprehensive roadmap to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, the company is aligning its growth with India’s climate goals.

Its social impact programmes span education, water conservation, skill development, and community upliftment — underscoring BPCL’s belief that progress must be inclusive and enduring.