HUL and NSRCEL-IIM-B launch 'Climate Incubation Hub'

Press Release – 8 April 2025 – Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in collaboration with the Nadathur S Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL), the startup hub at IIM Bangalore, has launched the Climate Incubation Hub. It is a collaborative programme between industry and academia to nurture Indian startups to advance climate innovations in India. The ‘Climate Incubation Hub’ aims to foster scalable solutions that address critical climate challenges, enabling startups to create transformational and sustainable environmental impact.

The Climate Incubation Hub will primarily focus on startups working in key environmental areas such as climate, nature, and plastics circularity. This will include regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, waste to value technologies to reduce emissions, alternative energy and clean technology, bioenergy and biomass solutions, and more.

BP Biddappa, Executive Director and Chief People, Transformation and Sustainability Officer at HUL said, “At HUL, we firmly believe that what is good for India is good for HUL. The Climate Incubation Hub aims to merge industry expertise with academic rigour to foster groundbreaking innovations across key sustainability areas. Our collaboration with IIM-B’s NSRCEL to scale innovative solutions addressing the urgent effects of climate change is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, while also contributing to India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat.”

Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, said, “At NSRCEL, we are deeply committed to supporting startups that prioritise sustainability, and we are excited to partner with HUL in this transformative journey. This collaboration enhances our ability to identify and nurture climate innovators, and we are excited to work together in accelerating impactful solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to create a dynamic network of startups dedicated to addressing climate challenges and driving the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.”

The Climate Incubation Hub offers a comprehensive support structure to help startups scale their sustainable solutions. Participants gain tailored mentorship from IIM faculty and industry leaders. A key focus of the program is ensuring startups achieve a strong product-market fit. Founders receive focused support to validate and refine their products, ensuring they meet market needs and are positioned for long-term success. Additionally, the program offers a grant opportunity to up to 15 startups to help them scale their solutions.

The program emphasises on building robust governance frameworks and developing sustainable business models to ensure long-term scalability and impact. Startups will also participate in industry networking events to present their innovations to potential investors and key stakeholders. This critical opportunity allows ventures to gain visibility, secure funding, and further their mission of driving sustainable change.

The Climate Incubation Hub is designed for Indian startups that are at least one year old, have early revenues, and a customer base. This initiative is a step toward transforming the entrepreneurial landscape and positioning India as a hub for climate-positive solutions that will drive lasting environmental change.