Energy sector innovation is gaining momentum as GAIL (India) Limited and Petronet LNG Limited partner with MC² Foundation and the iTIC Incubator of IIT Hyderabad. The collaboration will accelerate startup-led solutions for India’s energy sector.
The partnership will focus on AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, sensors, robotics, drones and digital twins. These technologies can improve asset performance, operational efficiency and sustainability across the energy value chain.
The organisations hosted MC² Plus IGNITE Hyderabad Connect at IIT Hyderabad. The event brought together energy companies, academia, startups, entrepreneurs and technology experts.
Energy Sector Innovation Focuses on Digital Asset Management
The Hyderabad edition focused on Digital Asset Management. Participants discussed how emerging technologies can transform conventional energy infrastructure into intelligent assets.
The discussions covered AI-powered systems, advanced sensors, robotics and digital twins. These solutions can help companies improve asset reliability, safety and operational efficiency.
GAIL CMD Deepak Gupta said India is at a significant point in its energy transition. Rising energy demand must be balanced with affordable and reliable energy, energy security and climate commitments.
He highlighted the need for smarter infrastructure and lower dependence on imported technologies and critical systems.
GAIL Pushes Startup-Led Energy Innovation
Gupta said MC² Plus IGNITE aims to connect startups, academia, research institutions and the oil and gas industry.
The programme seeks to take promising ideas from research laboratories to prototypes, pilots and commercial deployment. Gupta stressed that innovation should ultimately deliver measurable real-world impact.
He also highlighted the potential of digital asset management to move the industry beyond preventive and predictive maintenance.
With advanced technology, companies can move towards prescriptive maintenance. This approach can help anticipate equipment failures and recommend suitable interventions.
Petronet LNG Highlights AI and Digital Technologies
Akshay Kumar Singh, MD & CEO, Petronet LNG, said MC² Plus IGNITE is connecting India’s energy industry with the country’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
He highlighted opportunities in AI, advanced sensors, robotics and digital twins. These technologies can make LNG infrastructure smarter, safer and more efficient.
Singh also pointed to opportunities arising from the cold energy generated during LNG regasification. This energy could support applications in data centres, cold storage and air separation units.
He also highlighted opportunities to improve CBG yields and optimise value-added byproducts. Such solutions could support greater import substitution.
IIT Hyderabad to Support Technology Deployment
Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said the collaboration with MC² Foundation will bring industry, academia and startups together.
The partnership will use IIT Hyderabad’s faculty expertise, research capabilities and infrastructure. The objective is to help promising technologies move closer to commercial and real-world deployment.
Ayush Gupta, Director (HR), GAIL, said MC² Plus IGNITE will provide innovators with mentors and industry support.
The programme will help startups convert real-world industry challenges into scalable solutions. Gupta also encouraged students and founders to challenge conventional approaches and develop solutions for affordable, sustainable and energy-secure growth.
MC² Plus IGNITE Creates Energy Startup Opportunities
MC² Plus is an energy innovation accelerator envisioned by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with leading energy-sector organisations.
The programme covers seven priority themes:
- Digital Asset Management
- AI-Driven Subsurface Intelligence
- Next-Generation Drilling and Well Completion
- Refinery Process Intensification and Catalysis
- Bio-Energy with a focus on Compressed Biogas
- Hydrogen and Mobility
- Other energy-sector innovations
Selected startups can receive convertible funding of up to Rs 50 lakh. They can also receive milestone-based funding of up to Rs 1.5 crore.
The accelerator aims to support 30 high-potential early-stage startups through mentorship, technical expertise, pilot opportunities, funding and industry networks.
Hyderabad Connect Brings Energy Startups Together
The Hyderabad Connect featured a panel discussion on innovation and the startup ecosystem.
The discussion included startups working in energy technology, pipeline integrity, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital solutions.
The programme also featured an IIT Hyderabad session on innovation and entrepreneurship. FIPI presented Avinya’27, its energy startup challenge and India Energy Week 2027.
The event brought together senior officials and industry leaders from GAIL, Petronet LNG and IIT Hyderabad.
The collaboration marks another step towards strengthening startup-led energy innovation in India. It also creates opportunities to develop, test and deploy digital technologies across the country’s evolving energy value chain.
Source: PSU Watch
