Deadline: 31 July 2025
ASCEND, an initiative by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – Green Entrepreneurship Council, is designed to fast-track the deployment of clean technologies that address pressing environmental and resource challenges across sectors.
Objectives
- Fast-track breakthrough clean technologies into real-world industrial use
- Fuel innovation with pilot funding and hands-on support
- Build strong partnerships across industry, startups, investors, and policymakers
- Boost resource efficiency and cut emissions for a greener future
- Empower through knowledge, training, and collaboration
- Propel India’s journey to net-zero and sustainable growth
Themes
- Electric Vehicles
- Energy Storage
- Waste Management
- Water Management
- Sustainable Materials
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Renewable Energy
- IOT Solutions
- Green Hydrogen
Benefits
- Market Access: Exposure through CII’s industry network and events
- Mentorship: Expert technical and strategic guidance
- Investment Support: Connections to potential investors and funders
- Validation: Performance monitoring and verification by CII
- Industry Links: Collaboration opportunities with adopters
- Networking: Access to incubators, accelerators, research institutes, and corporates
Funding Information
- Funding: Up to USD 30,000 to support one or at max two pilot deployments
Who should relate to ASCEND?
- CleanTech Startups
- ASCEND supports startups with TRL 5–7 innovations through funding support for pilot, industrial access, and nationwide visibility to help scale faster.
- Technology Suppliers
- ASCEND connects TRL 5–7 technologies with adoption-ready industries by offering funding support for pilots — bridging the gap between demonstration and real-world deployment.
- Academic & Research Institutes
- Bring your TRL 5–7 innovations to life through ASCEND’s platform for industrial piloting through funding support, validation, and impact.
- Incubators & Accelerators
- ASCEND helps you support TRL 5–7 ventures with access to pilots, funding, and industry connections that fast-track deployment.
- Industries & Establishment
- Partner with ASCEND to test and implement innovative solutions with technical support and funding.
- VCs, Angles & Funders
- ASCEND helps de-risk early-stage investments by supporting pilot implementation, validating technology and connecting you to high-potential ventures.
- Government Bodies
- ASCEND builds a pipeline of validated clean technologies that contribute to green growth, industrial competitiveness, and environmental outcomes.
For more information, visit CII.
