To encourage innovation in the energy sector, Transition VC, a venture capital firm focused on energy transition, partnered with Telangana’s T-Hub and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to launch India’s first startup accelerator dedicated to energy transition.
The initiative, unveiled with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Hyderabad, aims to nurture deep-tech hardware startups. Located at T-Hub’s facilities, the accelerator will support early-stage startups by providing access to cutting-edge R&D infrastructure, prototyping labs, and expert mentorship.
Additionally, a dedicated Centre of Excellence will be established to help hardware-focused startups in India overcome the high entry barriers they often face. The inaugural cohort will include four to five startups, with plans to increase the number to seven or eight in future rounds. The accelerator will focus on innovations in renewable energy, energy storage, and other deep-tech hardware solutions.
The development is a major leap for India’s startup ecosystem, which has traditionally lacked substantial support for energy transition and hardware-focused ventures.
Mohammed Shoeb Ali, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Transition VC commented, “India’s startup landscape has largely been dominated by software and services, leaving a gap in energy transition and deep-tech hardware ventures. This accelerator will provide the necessary infrastructure for R&D and product development, which is often a major obstacle due to the high costs involved”.
Mahankali Srinivas Rao, CEO of T-Hub added, “Our platform allows innovators to co-create impactful solutions with the guidance of experienced mentors and access to advanced resources. As the energy sector undergoes rapid change, initiatives like this will position India as a leader in sustainable technologies”.
The involvement of IEEE brings an academic and technological edge, ensuring that startups benefit from global best practices and industry standards. As reported by knnindia.co.in, the accelerator is poised to significantly enhance India’s ability to create homegrown solutions for energy transition, addressing both national and global challenges.