The Indian government has officially launched a ₹100 crore scheme to drive startup-led innovation in green hydrogen, targeting a new era in clean energy and industrial transformation across the country. This landmark initiative, unveiled by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi at the Green Hydrogen R&D Conference in September 2025, provides substantial direct support to early-stage enterprises, with up to ₹5 crore available per project for pilot innovations in hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilization.
Focus and Funding Structure
The core objective of the scheme is to catalyse the pace of research and technology deployment in the green hydrogen sector; a cornerstone of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) launched in 2023. Under this initiative, start-ups can access robust funding for transformative projects, aiming to make India a global hub for clean hydrogen technology. The financial structure supports pilot projects that demonstrate high-impact potential, with a grant of up to ₹5 crore allocated to each selected innovation.
Key Announcements
Announcing the scheme, Minister Joshi emphasized the government’s commitment to “turning world-class ideas into practical solutions that will power industries, clean cities, generate lakhs of new jobs, and advance India’s climate goals”. The inaugural conference saw 25 Indian startups showcasing innovations — including cutting-edge electrolyser manufacturing, AI-powered hydrogen management systems, and novel bio-hydrogen solutions.
Integration with National Green Hydrogen Mission
The scheme aligns strategically with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which boasts a total outlay of ₹19,744 crore and seeks to create a robust policy, regulatory, and infrastructure framework for the hydrogen ecosystem. NGHM’s broader aims include:
- Production of five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
- Commissioning of 125 GW renewable energy.
- Investment mobilization of ₹8 lakh crore.
- Creation of 600,000 new jobs.
- Achieving 50 million tonnes per year in carbon emission reduction.
R&D and Industry Ecosystem
In addition to financial support, the government has ramped up dedicated R&D activities under the NGHM, with 23 research projects already funded in areas like safety, integration, hydrogen production from various sources, and applications across sectors. Collaborations with leading IITs, IISERs, CSIR labs, and private partners have been established to accelerate the translation of lab research into market-ready products. Internationally, India has engaged in joint development projects under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, especially focused on hydrogen extraction from wastewater.
Regulatory Ease and Training
Recognizing the importance of enabling factors, the scheme provides regulatory waivers, transmission charge exemptions, and streamlined clearance processes for hydrogen projects. Other significant enablers include:
- Standardization and certification aligned with over 140+ global benchmarks.
- New hydrogen testing facilities at major ports and labs.
- Certification of 5,600 professionals with hydrogen-specific qualifications.
Sectoral Applications and Demonstration Projects
India’s green hydrogen journey is already yielding visible results. Key demonstration projects include the country’s first port-based hydrogen pilot initiative at V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu), ambitious hydrogen bus launches, and rapidly constructed refuelling stations. The steel and shipping industries have also initiated pilot programs for hydrogen-based decarbonization, marking the movement from strategy to large-scale action.
Private Participation and Value Chain Building
Large enterprises including NTPC, Reliance, and IOCL, along with MSMEs and new-age startups, are actively investing in hydrogen technology — supporting a thriving innovation ecosystem. With dedicated hydrogen hubs being set up at Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin ports, India is well-positioned to enhance its competitiveness as an exporter of green hydrogen and associated technologies.
Vision for the Future
This ₹100 crore scheme is expected to strengthen India’s reputation as a leader in clean technology and sustainable industry, propelling the nation towards its net-zero emissions targets ahead of schedule. With deep policy backing and a vibrant innovation culture, Indian startups are set to play a key role in the global hydrogen value chain.
Conclusion
The government’s bold commitment to hydrogen innovation opens a new chapter for India’s startup ecosystem. As the nation transitions from vision to practice, this scheme will foster pioneering technologies, green industry, and long-term economic opportunity. The world will be watching as Indian startups engineer the next breakthroughs in clean hydrogen and sustainable development.
