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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India has taken a big step in clean rail travel with Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the country’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in Haryana on July 17, 2026. The train will run on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway.

This is not a normal diesel train with a new fuel tank. It is a hydrogen fuel cell trainset that generates electricity onboard by using hydrogen and oxygen. The only direct by-products are water vapour and heat, which makes it much cleaner at the point of use than diesel-powered trains.

For Indian Railways, this is also a technology test. If it works well in regular service, hydrogen trains could become useful on routes where full electrification is difficult, expensive or not practical.

What is India’s first hydrogen-powered train

India’s first hydrogen train is a 10-coach trainset. It has two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars and eight passenger trailer coaches.

Each power car carries fuel cells, batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders. Together, the two power cars generate enough power to move the full trainset.

The train will initially operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. It will connect Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat, along with intermediate stations and halts.

Indian Railways says the train has an operational speed of 75 kmph on this route and a design speed of 110 kmph. It has a passenger capacity of around 2,600, making it among the larger hydrogen passenger trainsets globally.

How hydrogen train technology works

A hydrogen train works like an electric train, but with one major difference. Instead of drawing electricity from overhead wires, it produces electricity onboard.

The train stores hydrogen in special cylinders. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air. This reaction creates electricity, which powers the traction motors and moves the train.

The process does not burn fuel like a diesel engine. There is no smoke from combustion. The direct output is water vapour and heat.

India takes a major leap towards green mobility!

In Jind, flagged off India’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat.

This remarkable achievement reflects the ingenuity and dedication of the Indian Railways team. It is a proud symbol of Aatmanirbhar… pic.twitter.com/hVo89u5vvI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2026

A simple way to understand it

• Hydrogen plus oxygen creates electricity
• Electricity powers the train motors
• The train moves
• Water vapour comes out as the by-product

The train also uses batteries. These batteries help manage power demand, store energy and support smoother operation when the train accelerates or needs extra power.

Where does the hydrogen come from

For this project, Indian Railways has built a hydrogen refuelling facility at Jind. The facility produces hydrogen through electrolysis.

Electrolysis means using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then stored, compressed and filled into the train.

The Jind facility can compress hydrogen to high pressure and refuel both power cars. According to official information, the storage and supply system has approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization.

This is important because the train is not just a vehicle launch. It also creates India’s first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem, with production, storage, compression and refuelling at one place.

Why hydrogen trains matter

Hydrogen trains can help reduce dependence on diesel.

Indian Railways has already electrified most broad-gauge routes, but some sections may still need alternative clean solutions. Hydrogen trains can be useful where overhead electric lines are difficult or where the route does not justify heavy electrification cost.

They are also quieter and cleaner at the point of use. For passenger routes, heritage lines and regional sections, this can make travel less polluting and more modern.

Hydrogen trains also support India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and the country’s long-term net-zero goals.

Safety systems on the train

Hydrogen is highly flammable, so safety is the first question people ask. Indian Railways says the train and refuelling system have multi-layer safety systems.

The train has sensors to detect hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke. It also has ventilation systems so hydrogen does not collect in one place if there is a small leak.

There are automatic shut-off systems that can cut hydrogen supply if something unusual is detected. The loco pilot gets system health information on a screen, which helps monitor the train during operation.

The hydrogen ecosystem has also gone through third-party safety assessment. Official information says the system follows international safety standards and was assessed by TÜV SÜD, Germany.

How it compares with diesel and electric trains

A diesel train burns fuel and releases emissions from the engine. It can run without overhead wires, but it adds pollution and fuel cost.

A regular electric train draws electricity from overhead lines. It is efficient and widely used in India, but it needs fixed electrification infrastructure.

A hydrogen train sits between these two ideas. It runs like an electric train but carries its own power source. It does not need overhead wires for traction power, and it avoids diesel exhaust.

The limitation is that hydrogen production, storage and refuelling infrastructure must be built carefully. It is cleaner only when the hydrogen is produced using clean energy.

Global context

Hydrogen trains are still new across the world. Germany was among the first countries to run commercial hydrogen passenger trains. Countries such as France, China, Japan and Italy have also explored hydrogen rail projects.

India’s train stands out because of its scale. Many hydrogen trains abroad are smaller regional trainsets. India’s 10-coach configuration shows that Indian Railways wants to test hydrogen for higher-capacity passenger operations, not just short demonstrations.

Benefits for passengers and the environment

For passengers, the travel experience may feel similar to a modern electric train. The bigger benefit is behind the scenes – cleaner propulsion and lower local emissions.

For the environment, the main gain is reduced diesel use and no direct carbon emissions from the train while running. If green hydrogen is used, the overall climate benefit becomes stronger.

For Indian Railways, the project builds technical knowledge. Engineers, operators and maintenance teams will learn how hydrogen trains behave in real Indian conditions.

Challenges ahead

Hydrogen trains are promising, but they are not simple.

Hydrogen needs careful storage at high pressure. Refuelling stations cost money. Maintenance teams need training. Safety systems must work all the time.

Cost will also matter. If hydrogen remains expensive, the technology may be used only on selected routes. The real test will be whether Indian Railways can make hydrogen trains reliable, safe and economical over time.

Conclusion – Key takeaways

PM Modi’s flag-off of India’s first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route is a major clean mobility milestone for Indian Railways.

The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity onboard, with water vapour as the main direct by-product. It has 10 coaches, two hydrogen power cars, a 75 kmph operational speed on the route, and safety systems for leak, heat, flame and smoke detection.

This is still an early step, but it is an important one. If the Jind-Sonipat project proves successful, hydrogen trains could become a useful clean option for selected railway routes in India.

Facts Input- PMIndia, PBI-Gov, PIB-Gov Rail,

Image Credit- X

GPS Renewables has raised Rs. 635 crore in a Series C funding round, giving India’s clean fuel sector a strong new signal. The Bengaluru-based company is known for building bioenergy and compressed biogas infrastructure, a space that is becoming more important as India looks for cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels. The funding comes at a time when compressed biogas, also called CBG, is moving from a policy idea to real projects on the ground.

CBG is basically fuel made from organic waste such as food waste, farm waste and municipal waste. Instead of letting that waste rot and release harmful gases, companies like GPS Renewables convert it into usable clean fuel.

This round is not just about startup money. It is about building infrastructure, working with oil marketing companies, and creating a waste-to-energy chain that can support cities, industries, farmers and transport fuel demand.

What GPS Renewables Does

GPS Renewables is a full-stack clean fuels company. That means it works across several parts of the biofuel value chain, including technology, engineering, construction, operations and project development. The company started with biogas technology and later expanded into larger clean fuel projects. Today, it works in areas such as compressed biogas, BioCNG, ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel and green hydrogen.

A simple example explains the business better. A city produces large amounts of wet waste every day. GPS Renewables can help build a plant that processes this waste and converts it into CBG. That fuel can then be used in vehicles or supplied to energy users, while the leftover organic material may also support farming use.

Founders And Company Background

GPS Renewables was founded in 2012 by Mainak Chakraborty and Sreekrishna Sankar, both IIM Bangalore graduates. Mainak Chakraborty is the company’s Co-founder and CEO, while Sreekrishna Sankar is also a co-founder and senior leader in the business.

The company began with a focus on solving India’s organic waste problem through biogas systems. Its flagship technology, BioUrja, has been used in several deployments across hotels, offices, hospitals, technology parks and institutions.

Over the years, GPS Renewables has moved from small and mid-sized waste-to-energy systems to large-scale clean fuel infrastructure. That shift is important because India’s energy transition needs companies that can execute at industrial scale, not just build pilot projects.

Inside The Rs. 635 Crore Series C Round

The Series C funding includes multiple parts. According to reports, PixelSky Capital led a Rs. 125 crore equity round, with participation from Spectrum Impact Family Office and other investors.

The company has also tied up Rs. 200 crore in equity for its asset platform Arya from a leading Korean conglomerate. This follows an earlier Rs. 310 crore investment into the asset platform from Sojitz Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation-linked participation, as reported by media outlets.

The fresh money will be used to support GPS Renewables’ next growth phase, strengthen its balance sheet, expand its bioenergy infrastructure portfolio and fund ongoing and upcoming projects through GPSR Arya.

Why CBG Matters For India

Compressed biogas has a practical role in India’s clean energy plans. India produces a lot of organic waste from farms, food markets, households, hotels and industries. If handled poorly, this waste creates pollution and methane emissions. If processed properly, it can become fuel. This is why CBG is interesting. It can help reduce waste, support local energy production and lower dependence on imported fossil fuels. It can also create new income opportunities around waste collection, plant operations and farm-linked supply chains.

For example, agricultural residue that is often burned or wasted can become feedstock for a CBG plant. This can reduce pollution while creating a useful energy product. Of course, execution is not easy. Feedstock supply, plant economics, offtake agreements and technology reliability all matter.

GPS Renewables’ Project Pipeline

GPS Renewables has built a strong project base over the years. Reports say the company has more than 30 operational or near-complete projects and visibility on over 200 CBG projects being developed with oil marketing companies. The company has also worked on major projects such as the municipal solid waste-based CBG plant in Indore and a CBG facility in Barabanki. Its official website says the Indore plant processes 550 tonnes of organic waste into 17 tonnes of compressed biogas daily.

Another important update is GPS Renewables winning an EPC contract from NTPC to build India’s first Ethanol-to-Jet Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant. Sustainable aviation fuel is still an emerging area in India, but it could become important as airlines and governments push for lower-emission flying.

Competitors And Market Landscape

GPS Renewables operates in a growing but competitive clean energy sector. Its competitors and comparable players include EverEnviro, Thermax Bioenergy-linked solutions, Carbon Masters, and other companies working in biogas, BioCNG, renewable natural gas and waste-to-energy projects.

EverEnviro is a major name in the CBG space and has also worked with public sector energy companies. Large engineering and energy companies may also compete in parts of the value chain, especially EPC, plant operations and biofuel infrastructure.

GPS Renewables’ advantage appears to be its full-stack model. Instead of only selling equipment or only developing projects, it has built capabilities across technology, engineering, EPC, operations and asset development. That can help when customers want one reliable partner for complex infrastructure work.

Why Investors Are Interested

Investors are looking at clean fuel companies because the sector sits at the intersection of climate, infrastructure and energy security. Unlike some consumer startups, bioenergy companies are asset-heavy and execution-heavy. They need capital for plants, equipment, engineering and long project cycles.

That makes a Rs. 635 crore Series C round meaningful. It suggests investors are willing to back companies that can build real climate infrastructure, not just software dashboards around sustainability.

There is also a policy tailwind. India has been promoting compressed biogas through initiatives such as SATAT and broader clean energy goals. When government policy, oil marketing company demand and private capital come together, the market can scale faster.

What Could Be The Challenges

The opportunity is big, but the business is not simple. CBG projects need steady waste or agricultural feedstock supply. They also need good plant uptime, strong offtake contracts, skilled operations and careful financial planning.

If feedstock supply breaks down, the plant may not run efficiently. If project costs rise, returns may become weaker. If policy support changes, investors may become cautious. These are normal infrastructure risks, but they are important for readers to understand.

Still, GPS Renewables has spent more than a decade in this space, which gives it execution experience. The new funding should help the company move faster, but its long-term success will depend on how well it turns pipeline visibility into profitable, reliable projects.

Conclusion With Key Takeaways

GPS Renewables’ Rs. 635 crore Series C funding is a strong moment for India’s clean fuel ecosystem. It shows that compressed biogas and bioenergy are no longer small side stories in the renewable energy conversation. They are becoming part of India’s larger energy transition.

Key takeaways

• GPS Renewables has raised Rs. 635 crore in Series C funding.
• The company was founded in 2012 by Mainak Chakraborty and Sreekrishna Sankar.
• The funding includes equity led by PixelSky Capital, participation from Spectrum Impact Family Office, and capital for its Arya asset platform.
• GPS Renewables will use the money to expand CBG infrastructure, strengthen its project pipeline and support clean fuel growth.

The company works in compressed biogas, BioCNG, ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel and green hydrogen.

Facts Input- YS and GPS