New Delhi: India’s energy sector is moving towards advanced biofuel technologies with the launch of the Grand Butanol Challenge, a major initiative aimed at accelerating indigenous butanol production and strengthening the country’s biofuel ecosystem.
The challenge has been launched by MC² Foundation with financial support of up to Rs 12.5 crore and is supported by seven leading public sector energy companies, including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
The initiative focuses on promoting deep-tech innovation, supporting startups, and developing next-generation biofuel solutions that can contribute to India’s energy security and net-zero goals.
MC² Foundation Launches Grand Butanol Challenge for Indigenous Biofuel Development
The MC² Foundation, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), has launched the Grand Butanol Challenge to encourage innovation in bio-butanol production technologies.
The foundation is supported by seven major energy sector companies:
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- GAIL (India) Limited
- Oil India Limited
- Petronet LNG Limited
The initiative aims to provide innovators with financial assistance, pilot deployment opportunities, and a pathway towards commercialisation of indigenous technologies.
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Rs 12.5 Crore Funding Support for Innovative Bio-Butanol Technologies
The Grand Butanol Challenge includes a total financial support package of up to Rs 12.5 crore, divided into:
- Prize pool: Up to Rs 5 crore
- Grant pool: Up to Rs 7.5 crore
The programme invites applications from startups, researchers, and innovators working on advanced butanol production technologies.
Applications will remain open until August 15, 2026.
Challenge Focuses on Three Key Areas of Butanol Production
The programme has identified three major problem statements for innovation:
- Fermentation-based production of n-Butanol and Iso-Butanol.
- Catalytic production methods for butanol.
- Other innovative pathways for sustainable butanol production.
The challenge is designed to support technologies that can help reduce dependence on conventional fuels and promote cleaner energy alternatives.
Targeting Advanced Technologies from TRL 4 to TRL 7
The Grand Butanol Challenge will support technologies between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and TRL 7, focusing on solutions that are closer to practical deployment.
The targeted innovations include:
- Microbial production of butanol using non-food feedstocks.
- Low-energy separation technologies.
- Bio-derived cetane improvers.
- Field-deployable quality control systems.
- Advanced fermentation technologies.
These solutions are expected to improve efficiency, reduce production costs, and support large-scale biofuel adoption.
C-CAMP Joins as Implementation and Mentorship Partner
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has partnered with MC² Foundation as the implementation and mentorship partner for the initiative.
The partnership aims to connect innovators with India’s biotechnology ecosystem and provide technical guidance for developing commercially viable solutions.
The programme is supported by:
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) – Programme leadership.
- Centre for High Technology (CHT) – Technology partner.
- Department of Science and Technology (DST) – Knowledge partner.
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT) – Knowledge partner.
Initiative to Strengthen India’s Energy Security and Net Zero Goals
Speaking at the launch event, Sandeep Maheshwari, Director and CEO of MC² Foundation and Executive Director of Corporate Strategy and Business Development at HPCL, said the foundation aims to create a collaborative platform connecting industry, academia, research institutions, and startups.
He highlighted that the initiative will help:
- Accelerate indigenous energy technology development.
- Strengthen India’s energy security.
- Support the transition towards cleaner and sustainable energy solutions.
Experts Highlight Potential of Biofuels in Sustainable Energy Future
At the launch event, Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, Director and CEO of C-CAMP, described biofuels as a major opportunity at the intersection of biotechnology, sustainability, and energy security.
He highlighted the potential of next-generation fermentation technologies in transforming the biofuel sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Madhukar Onkarnath Garg discussed the evolution of biofuels, commercialisation challenges, and the importance of advanced biofuel technologies for India’s energy future.
He emphasised that biofuels will play a crucial role in achieving India’s energy security objectives and net-zero commitments.
About Supporting Energy PSUs
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL):
HPCL is a major Indian public sector oil and gas company engaged in refining, marketing, and distribution of petroleum products. It operates refineries, fuel stations, LPG distribution networks, and provides energy solutions across India.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC):
ONGC is India’s largest exploration and production company, involved in discovering and producing crude oil and natural gas. It plays a key role in meeting India’s energy requirements through offshore and onshore operations.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL):
IOCL is India’s largest oil marketing company and a leading public sector enterprise in the energy sector. It is involved in refining, transportation, marketing of petroleum products, LPG, natural gas, and petrochemicals.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL):
BPCL is a leading PSU oil and gas company involved in refining and marketing petroleum products. It operates refineries and a large network of fuel stations, LPG services, and energy solutions across India.
GAIL (India) Limited:
GAIL is India’s largest natural gas transmission and marketing company. It is involved in natural gas processing, pipeline transportation, LPG production, petrochemicals, and renewable energy projects.
Oil India Limited:
Oil India Limited is a public sector exploration and production company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. It operates mainly in Assam, Rajasthan, and other regions of India.
Petronet LNG Limited:
Petronet LNG is one of India’s leading companies in the import, storage, and regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG). It helps supply natural gas to industries, power plants, and households through its LNG terminals.
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