Climate technology is often associated with solar panels, electric vehicles and clean energy. But some of the most useful solutions may come from biology, agriculture and healthcare.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, or C-CAMP, and Ashraya Hastha Trust have selected 11 biology-driven startups for a climate solutions programme. The initiative will provide funding support of up to Rs. 50 lakh for each startup, along with laboratory access, mentoring and help with commercialization as per C-CAMP announcement.

Why this programme matters

C-CAMP’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainability and Climate Action was created to support technologies that connect climate change with health, agriculture, waste and environmental protection.

The programme is not only about giving money to startups. Many science-based companies also need specialized laboratories, testing facilities, scientific guidance, intellectual property support and links to potential customers. C-CAMP aims to provide this wider support, while Ashraya Hastha Trust brings a philanthropy-led focus on social and environmental impact.

C-CAMP has supported several life-science and climate-focused innovations in the past. Ashraya Hastha Trust was established in 2000 by Maj. Retd. S. Nanjundiah and is guided by trustees including Infosys co-founder K. Dinesh, Asha Dinesh, Divvya Dinesh and Deeksha Dinesh as per the details about C-CAMP and AHT partnership.

The 11 startups and their focus areas

The selected companies are working on different problems rather than competing in one single market.

Genepath Diagnostics India is developing an open PCR platform to help detect tropical vector-borne diseases. Prodancy is working on a reusable system designed to reduce biomedical waste generated during surgeries. AeroDel Technology Innovations is developing respiratory monitoring solutions for people affected by air pollution and extreme heat.

In agriculture, Intello Labs uses artificial intelligence to improve the quality assessment and trading of fresh produce. String Bio is developing methane-based growth stimulants aimed at supporting climate-resilient sugarcane farming. Tealaa Innovations is building Aquarobo, a robotic sludge management system for aquaculture ponds.

The environmental and industrial sustainability group includes Ossus Biorenewables, which is working on technology that can convert industrial wastewater into green hydrogen. BPC Bioproducts, also known as Amylo, is developing biodegradable packaging materials.

Earthkind Foods Biotech is building a programmable lipid platform that uses agricultural residues. IIOT Innovation is working on a microalgae-based carbon capture and biorefinery platform. The 11th selected startup, according to the programme coverage, adds another biology-led approach to the portfolio of climate solutions as per the published Selection report.

How the support may be used

The funding can help these startups move from laboratory development to pilot projects. For example, a waste-treatment company may use the money to build a larger demonstration unit, while an agriculture startup may test its product across different soil and crop conditions.

Lab access can reduce development costs. Mentorship may help founders understand regulations, protect their inventions and prepare for future investment. Industry connections can also help startups find companies willing to test or buy their products.

The programme’s larger purpose is to help climate innovations reach real users. A prototype has value only when it works outside the laboratory and can be produced at a practical cost.

Challenges ahead

Climate-tech startups often face long development cycles, strict approvals and high testing expenses. Products used in healthcare, agriculture or industrial facilities also need strong evidence before customers adopt them.

The companies will therefore need to show measurable results, such as lower emissions, reduced waste, better crop performance or improved public-health outcomes. Funding is an important first step, but long-term success will depend on field testing, manufacturing and customer demand.

Conclusion with key takeaways

The C-CAMP and Ashraya Hastha Trust programme brings together biotechnology, climate action and startup development.

Key takeaways –

• Eleven biology-led startups have been selected.
• Each startup may receive funding support of up to Rs. 50 lakh.
• The programme covers climate-health, climate-agriculture and environmental solutions.
• Support includes labs, mentorship, intellectual property guidance and industry access.
• The main goal is to move science-based ideas from research stages to real-world use.

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The/Nudge Foundation has launched TILT, a Rs. 250 crore impact-focused venture fund for early-stage startups in India. The fund is meant for businesses that are not only chasing growth, but also trying to solve everyday problems for low-income and underserved communities.

TILT will mainly invest in Seed to Series A startups. Its cheque size will range from Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 16 crore, which gives young companies enough room to build, test, hire, and expand without rushing only for short-term numbers.

What is TILT impact fund

TILT is an impact-first investment platform backed by The/Nudge Foundation. In simple words, it is a fund for startups that want to create social value along with business value.

The fund will look at companies working in areas such as livelihoods, agriculture, MSMEs, climate resilience, employability, financial inclusion, informal work, market access, and tech-led solutions for income growth.

This means TILT is not looking only for apps made for urban users. It is more interested in startups that can help farmers earn better, small businesses become more productive, workers find reliable jobs, or families access useful financial services.

The/Nudge founder and background

The/Nudge Foundation was founded in 2015 by Atul Satija. The Bengaluru-based organization works on poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement.

Over the years, The/Nudge has supported many social enterprises through grants, mentoring, and ecosystem support. According to reports, it has backed over 190 social enterprises and deployed around Rs. 180 crore in grants. TILT now takes that experience into a venture investment model.

Richa Singh is the co-founder and managing partner of TILT, while Atul Satija is also associated with TILT as founder and managing partner.

Who can benefit from this fund

The biggest beneficiaries will be early-stage founders building for India’s “next billion” users. These are people who may not always be served well by mainstream digital products, banks, job platforms, or supply chains.

For example, a startup helping small shop owners manage inventory and credit could benefit. So could a company building climate-resilient tools for farmers, a platform connecting rural youth to jobs, or a fintech startup making credit easier for low-income workers.

Startups serving MSMEs may also find this fund useful. Many small businesses in India still depend on informal systems for finance, sales, and operations. If a startup can improve their income or efficiency with a practical product, it fits the larger TILT vision.

Purpose of the Rs. 250 crore fund

The purpose is not just to write cheques. TILT wants to offer patient capital, which means funding that gives startups more time to build in difficult markets.

Impact startups often need longer timelines because their customers may be spread across rural areas, low-income groups, or informal sectors. Distribution is harder, trust takes time, and revenue may grow slowly at first.

Along with capital, TILT plans to support startups with research, partnerships, market access, and ecosystem-building help. That extra support can matter a lot when a founder is working in agriculture, jobs, climate, or financial inclusion.

Competitors and similar funds

TILT will operate in a space where funds like Aavishkaar Capital, Omnivore, Elevar Equity, Acumen, Ankur Capital, and Unitus Ventures have also backed impact-led or inclusion-focused startups.

The difference TILT may try to bring is The/Nudge’s long experience with livelihood-focused social enterprises and its network across philanthropy, entrepreneurs, and development work.

Conclusion – Key takeaways

The/Nudge’s Rs. 250 crore TILT impact fund could become an important funding source for founders solving practical problems for underserved India.

It will benefit early-stage startups working in jobs, agriculture, MSMEs, financial inclusion, climate resilience, and market access. For founders building serious businesses with social impact at the core, TILT brings both capital and patient support.