RT team
HCL Group, in collaboration with the India Climate Collaborative (ICC), has launched the ClimaForce Fund—an ambitious ₹25 crore philanthropic initiative aimed at accelerating India’s shift to a low-carbon economy. The fund will support over 20 market-ready innovations focused on three critical areas: cooling, sustainable buildings, and freight mobility.
India faces soaring demand in these sectors, with cooling needs expected to rise eightfold by 2037 and the built environment projected to double by 2040. Freight emissions are also on track to increase dramatically, making scalable climate solutions more urgent than ever.
The ClimaForce Fund will target innovations at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or above—those ready for commercial deployment. It offers grant capital, pilot opportunities with industry partners, technical support, and visibility among investors. The initiative goes beyond traditional philanthropy by embedding innovation into commercial ecosystems, enabling real-world testing and industry adoption.
The first phase will focus on cooling and green buildings, while freight mobility will be addressed in phase two, starting 2027. Eligible for-profit enterprises must demonstrate measurable emissions reductions and business viability in the Indian context. Applications open April 30, 2025, and close June 10, 2025, with pilot projects to be announced in October 2025.
According to HCL Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the Fund represents HCL’s long-term commitment to climate leadership. ICC CEO Shloka Nath added that the initiative is about turning climate ambition into practical impact through partnerships and scale.
More information is available at hclclimaforcefund.com.
