The fund provides commercial pilots and expertise to support Indian climate innovators. It focuses on commercializing innovations in areas like cooling and buildings, and later on freight mobility. Applications for the fund are open to for-profit enterprises with innovative products, business models, and platforms, particularly those at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or high. Application closes on June 10, 2025.
Apply Here HCLTech Americas Grant’s selection process.
The initiative aims to foster collaboration between innovators and industries, and businesses whose operational needs align with the fund’s focus on reducing emissions in cooling, construction, and freight mobility.
India’s ‘built’ environment is projected to more than double by 2040, raising concerns about carbon-intensive construction and energy use. In the logistics sector, freight emissions could rise by over 450 per cent by 2050.
“The HCL ClimaForce Fund marks the beginning of our long-term commitment to climate leadership anchored in innovation, scale, and decisive action. With this initiative, we are investing in innovators who are creating real solutions for India’s low-carbon future and also act as a bridge between innovation and adoption of these solutions, leading to a sustainable future,” said Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCL Group.
She added: “This is our first dedicated climate initiative, and we intend to make it count through meaningful partnerships and measurable impact”.
Selected innovations will be piloted with industry partners, backed by expert technical support. These pilots serve as a proof-of-concept to validate the innovations, which can then be amplified through strategic visibility with investors and industry, the release said.
Shloka Nath, CEO of India Climate Collaborative said, “We are at a critical juncture where innovation must meet urgency. The HCL ClimaForce Fund is a bold step toward accelerating solutions that can help India grow while staying within planetary boundaries.”
