About
Indian industry’s journey toward a sustainable future demands bold innovation and collective action. 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.
The program envisions a future where high-impact cleantech innovations are seamlessly integrated into real-world applications—from manufacturing and infrastructure to utilities and services—accelerating progress toward India’s goals on net-zero emissions, resource efficiency, and circularity.
Mission & Vision
At its core, ASCEND serves as a platform that enables cleantech innovators to pilot, validate, and scale solutions through collaboration with a diverse ecosystem of partners. Indian CleanTech Startups and technology developers gain a unique opportunity to demonstrate their solutions in operational settings, supported by expert mentorship, national visibility, validation, and strategic connects.
By bringing together industries, incubators, research institutes, accelerators, VCs, funders, and policy stakeholders, ASCEND fosters an environment that supports technology commercialization and long-term impact. Acting as a crucial link between innovation and real-world impact, ASCEND advances a cleaner, more resilient, and competitive future for India.
- 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
← OBJECTIVES
BENEFITS →
- Funding: Up to USD 30,000 to support one or at max two pilot deployments
- 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
Who can Apply
ASCEND supports startups with TRL 5–7 innovations through funding support for pilot, industrial access, and nationwide visibility to help scale faster.
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.
Bring your TRL 5–7 innovations to life through ASCEND’s platform for industrial piloting through funding support, validation, and impact.
Thematic Areas
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Renewable Energy
IOT Solutions
Green Hydrogen
Electric Vehicles
Energy Storage
Waste Management
Water Management
Sustainable Materials
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Renewable Energy
IOT Solutions
Green Hydrogen
Electric Vehicles
Energy Storage
Waste Management
Water Management
Sustainable Materials
Join Us as Ecosystem Partners
ASCEND helps you support TRL 5–7 ventures with access to pilots, funding, and industry connections that fast-track deployment.
Partner with ASCEND to test and implement innovative solutions with technical support and funding.
ASCEND helps de-risk early-stage investments by supporting pilot implementation, validating technology and connecting you to high-potential ventures.
ASCEND builds a pipeline of validated clean technologies that contribute to green growth, industrial competitiveness, and environmental outcomes.
Interested to be a part of the ASCEND program?
Apply Now!
Last date for Application submission:
31st July 2025
Whether you're a startup, technology provider, partner, investor, VCs, academic institutions, policymaker or industry — we want to hear from you. Fill out a short form to express your interest.
Express InterestProgram Timelines
12th Jun 2025
Launch of 1st Innovation Challenge
31st Jul 2025
Last date for submitting applications
Aug 2025
Shortlisting by Expert Panel
November 2025
Winners Announced and Pilot Projects Kick Off
September 2026
Showcasing outcomes of the 1st Innovation Challenge
1st Innovation Cleantech Challenge supported by
