HPCL, 6 other energy PSUs support Rs 12.5-crore Grand Butanol Challenge

New Delhi: MC² Foundation, an energy innovation platform operating under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), has launched the Grand Butanol Challenge, a national innovation programme with financial support of up to Rs 12.5 crore to accelerate indigenous bio-butanol production and strengthen India's biofuel ecosystem.

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The initiative, launched in Bengaluru on July 17, is backed by seven leading public sector energy companies, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), GAIL (India) Limited, Oil India Limited and Petronet LNG Limited.

According to an official statement from HPCL, the programme aims to promote deep-tech innovation, enhance energy security and support India's net-zero ambitions by providing startups and innovators with grant funding, pilot deployment opportunities and a pathway to commercialisation.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has joined the initiative as the implementation and mentorship partner to strengthen collaboration with India's biotechnology innovation ecosystem. The programme is being led by MoPNG, with the Centre for High Technology (CHT) serving as the technology partner, while the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) are the knowledge partners. Applications for the challenge will remain open until August 15.

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Speaking at the launch, Sandeep Maheshwari, Director and CEO of MC² Foundation and Executive Director (Corporate Strategy and Business Development) at HPCL, said the foundation has been established to bridge the gap between industry, academia, research institutions and startups by creating a collaborative platform for indigenous energy technologies. He said the initiative aims to accelerate innovation, strengthen India's energy security and contribute to the country's transition towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

C-CAMP Director and CEO Taslimarif Saiyed described biofuels as a significant opportunity at the intersection of biotechnology, sustainability and energy security, highlighting the potential of next-generation fermentation technologies.

Delivering the keynote address, biofuel expert Madhukar Onkarnath Garg emphasised the strategic importance of biofuels for India's energy security and net-zero commitments while outlining the technological and commercial challenges facing the sector.

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