Oil & Gas PSUs Back 32 Startups at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has taken center stage at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, signaling a powerful push toward innovation and entrepreneurship in India's energy sector. At the three-day conclave held at Bharat Mandapam, oil and gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) presented a compelling showcase of startup-driven innovations transforming the future of energy.

PSUs Spotlight 32 Startups Reshaping the Energy Ecosystem

Backed by MoPNG, 32 cutting-edge startups funded by oil and gas PSUs are exhibiting breakthrough solutions in clean tech, digital innovation, sustainable energy, and advanced manufacturing. The participation underscores the government’s intent to blend traditional energy expertise with next-gen entrepreneurial talent.

ONGC, IndianOil Lead with Global and IP Milestones

Leading the charge, ONGC reported a 450% surge in valuation from its startup portfolio over the past five years. Its flagship startup, WellRx—launched under the Startup India Policy—has expanded globally, delivering oilfield solutions in over 120 countries. Indian Oil’s IndS_UP initiative has catalyzed 42 startups, resulting in 86 intellectual property filings and the creation of 635 jobs.

Oil India Limited brought deep-tech innovation into focus, supporting ventures like Caliche Private Limited, which pioneers biochemical solutions for sand control in oil wells, and Carbonation India Private Limited, a startup advancing sustainable waste management for the hydrocarbon sector.

PSU Leaders Drive Dialogue on Future-Ready Energy Solutions

PSU leadership played a key role throughout the conclave, actively contributing to panels and roundtables. Fourteen senior executives from oil and gas PSUs led discussions on topics such as EV innovation, research monetization, and industrial decarbonization. ONGC’s Chairman addressed the opening plenary, while high-powered sessions explored funding strategies for electrification, EV policy incentives, and last-mile connectivity.

A standout session, From Lab to Market – Unlocking Research Monetization, brought together top executives from BPCL, ONGC, Oil India, and HPCL to chart a roadmap for turning R&D into commercial success.

Startup Mahakumbh 2025 Builds on Legacy of Innovation and Inclusion

Building on the momentum of its debut edition—graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—this year’s Startup Mahakumbh carries the theme ‘Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story’. With participation from over 3,000 startups across 11 sectors and 1,000+ investors, the event has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s innovation ecosystem.

MoPNG’s innovation narrative extends beyond the Mahakumbh. At India Energy Week 2025 in February, the Ministry launched Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge, spotlighting breakthroughs in carbon capture and renewables. It also rolled out the Vasudha Startup Challenge, honoring global AI-powered solutions in upstream energy operations.

Flagship Startup Programs Fuel a Green, Scalable Future

PSUs have amplified their support for disruptive startups through a series of focused programs. EIL’s EngSUI initiative has injected ₹35 crore into 31 startups innovating in compostable materials and CO₂ mitigation. HPCL’s HP Udgam has supported 29 startups, including Maraal Aerospace, which is developing solar-powered drones. BPCL’s Ankur initiative has provided ₹28 crore in seed funding, helping its 30 supported startups raise $132 million and reach a combined valuation of $300 million. GAIL’s Pankh program continues to back innovations in pipeline repair, biogas tech, and clean industrial systems.

Startups Powering India’s Energy Transition

Through these strategic investments and mentorship platforms, MoPNG and its PSUs are not just supporting startups—they’re co-creating a resilient, green, and globally competitive energy future. At Startup Mahakumbh 2025, the message is clear: India's energy giants are betting big on startups to lead the nation’s transition to a cleaner and smarter tomorrow.