MNRE Launches INR 100 Crore Scheme for Start-Ups to Pilot Green Hydrogen Projects, INR 5 Crore Funding Each
MNRE invites DPIIT-recognised start-ups to pilot green hydrogen projects with funding up to 5 crore, covering production, storage, safety, and applications.
September 16, 2025. By EI News Network
The initiative, aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, earmarks a total budget of INR 100 crore, with individual start-ups eligible for financial support of up to INR 5 crore, or 80 percent of equipment cost, whichever is lower. Funds will be disbursed across four milestones viz. 20 percent, 20 percent, 50 percent, and the final 10 percent on project completion.
Eligibility criteria mandate that applicants must be DPIIT-recognised start-ups less than 10 years old, with an annual turnover not exceeding INR 100 crore and at least 51 percent Indian ownership. Proposals must demonstrate proof of concept at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3–4, with the potential to scale to TRL 6–8, and can be submitted individually or in consortium, with a start-up as the lead.
The CfP specifies broad thematic areas, including hydrogen production technologies such as seawater electrolysis, direct photoelectrolysis, and other processes beyond biomass or electrolysis; innovative storage and transport solutions including modular pipelines, AI-driven logistics, liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), and solid-state storage; advanced safety systems for leak detection, fire management, and hydrogen-resistant materials; and end-use applications such as hydrogen-powered cooking, aviation, turbines, refueling stations under INR 1 crore, retrofitted locomotives, gensets, and Power-to-X technologies.
To ensure accountability, selected start-ups must furnish a 5 percent Performance Bank Guarantee. Proposals will be screened by a Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) under MNRE and NISE, with non-performance or misuse of funds attracting penalties, including refund with interest.
The CfP was issued on September 11, 2025, with a stakeholder consultation scheduled for September 19, 2025. The deadline for proposal submission is October 13, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be entertained.
By targeting innovative start-ups, MNRE aims to accelerate the development of cost-effective, scalable green hydrogen technologies and strengthen India’s leadership in the global clean energy transition.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
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