Brands
Startupbootcamp India charges up climate tech with new pre-accelerator for energy startups
MUMBAI: Climate tech is having a startup moment, and Startupbootcamp India (SBC India) is making sure the power surge is real. The new joint venture between Startupbootcamp Australia and BRK Ventures launched its first pre-accelerator programme for clean energy startups on 23 June 2025, with a full charge of ambition and international firepower.
The three-month programme kicks off in August and targets early-stage founders working across six high-impact domains: AI-driven energy systems, smart grids, renewable integration, next-gen storage, green hydrogen, decarbonisation, and blockchain-enabled decentralised markets.
Only 12 startups will be selected from over 300 expected applications. Startups at the idea, MVP, or pre-revenue stage can apply until 31 July.
“We’re excited to partner with BRK Ventures to launch Startupbootcamp India and support the next wave of climate tech innovation. India has the talent, urgency, and scale to drive impactful climate solutions that resonate both locally and globally. By backing early-stage founders in energy transition sectors, we aim to foster commercially viable ventures that accelerate decarbonisation and create meaningful international collaboration opportunities”, said Startupbootcamp Australia CEO Trevor Townsend.
“India’s energy transition needs a 360 degrees approach to battle several problems like increasing pollution in large cities, flooding, climate change affecting agricultural produce and much more. We are keen to be a partner in finding solutions that can help India emerge as a powerful $35 trillion economy by 2047. Our belief is to support climate tech focused startups in their very early days with strategic partnerships like SBC Australia to position Indian startups solving India and global climate change problems”, added BRK Ventures managing partner Kamal Bansal.
SBC India will culminate the programme with a showcase day in November 2025, inviting marquee VCs and investors to evaluate the cohort for early-stage capital and collaboration. The programme is designed to support founders with access to industry experts, market linkages, and global mentorship networks tailored to climate-tech startups.
With backing from partners like Shell, Microsoft, AWS, Mitsubishi, and Bosch, Startupbootcamp Australia brings global experience to India’s growing clean-tech landscape. BRK Ventures, meanwhile, adds local knowledge and pre-revenue capital muscle to plug early-stage funding gaps.
With tools, traction, and talent on tap, SBC India’s first run promises to energise India’s net-zero mission and fuel the country’s push toward climate resilience and inclusive growth.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
