HUL and NSRCEL-IIM-B launch ‘Climate Incubation Hub’ to accelerate climate-positive innovations

The Climate Incubation Hub will primarily focus on start-ups working in key environmental areas such as climate, nature and plastics circularity. This will include regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, waste-to-value technologies to reduce emissions, alternative energy and clean technology, bioenergy & biomass solutions, and more

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), in collaboration with Nadathur S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL), the startup hub at IIM Bangalore, has launched the Climate Incubation Hub. It is a collaborative programme between industry and academia to nurture Indian start-ups to advance climate-innovations in India.

“The Climate Incubation Hub aims to foster scalable solutions that address critical climate challenges, enabling start-ups to create transformational and sustainable environmental impact,” said a press release.

The Climate Incubation Hub will primarily focus on start-ups working in key environmental areas such as climate, nature and plastics circularity. This will include regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, waste-to-value technologies to reduce emissions, alternative energy and clean technology, bioenergy & biomass solutions, and more

B.P. Biddappa, Executive Director and Chief People, Transformation and Sustainability Officer at HUL said, “Our collaboration with IIM-B’s NSRCEL to scale innovative solutions addressing the urgent effects of climate change is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, while also contributing to India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat”.

Participants will gain a tailored mentorship from IIM faculty and industry leaders. A key focus of the program is ensuring start-ups achieve a strong product-market fit.

Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, said, “This collaboration enhances our ability to identify and nurture climate innovators, and we are excited to work together in accelerating impactful solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to create a dynamic network of startups dedicated to addressing climate challenges and driving the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.”

Additionally, the programme will offer a grant opportunity to up to 15 start-ups to help them scale their solutions. The programme emphasises building robust governance frameworks and developing sustainable business models to ensure long-term scalability and impact.