Expression of Interest
Advancing Clean Technology through Institutional Collaboration

Purpose overview
India faces a dual challenge: accelerating economic growth while addressing the escalating impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution, water scarcity, and unsustainable resource use. Despite the urgency, scalable and community-centric clean technology solutions remain limited.

Cummins recognizes that addressing these challenges requires bold action and collaborative innovation. Through Global Environmental sustainability strategy and Destination zero Cummins is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, using natural resources sustainably, and improving communities where we operate. The proposed Sustainability Innovation Hub in India is a strategic initiative to translate these commitments into action by partnering with institutions to co-create scalable clean technology solutions.
This Expression of Interest (EOI) seeks to establish a strategic partnership with a leading technology institute to accelerate the development of clean technologies. The aim of the EOI is to catalyse changes by collaborating with leading institutions to co-create, pilot, and scale clean tech solutions that are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.

The proposal should provide a brief overview of the institute's profile, highlighting its experience and expertise in clean technologies. It should outline the existing technical capabilities, including R&D infrastructure and relevant past projects. The proposal should also describe the institute’s innovation ecosystem, including collaborations with startups and industry.

By strengthening innovation capacity and facilitating technology advancement, this project will contribute to a low-carbon future and sustainable environmental impact.
Details of Project
Objective
To invite Expressions of Interest from academic and research institutions in developing and implementing clean technology initiatives that align with Cummins Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Destination Zero Commitment of:
Decarbonization
Water Management
Circular Economy
Project Location
Maharashtra
Jharkhand
Madhya Pradesh
Eligibility Criteria
Be a recognized academic or research institution including government recognized institutions (e.g., IITs, IISERs, CSIR labs, ARAI, etc.)
Demonstrate expertise in clean technology, sustainability, or community development
Be willing to co-invest resources or infrastructure
Have experience in CSR or public-private partnerships
Theme
Collaborative Innovation for Clean Technology driven solutions
Scope of work
To set up the specialised facility focusing on Clean Technology aligned to Cummins Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Destination zero strategy
Joint research, prototyping, and field testing of clean technologies
Mentorship and training programs, networking and collaboration
Knowledge exchange and policy advocacy
Target beneficiaries
Innovators, startups, and researchers
Early-stage clean technology ventures
The broader clean technology ecosystem
Expected outcome /deliverables
• Innovation and Technology Development:
A fully functional Center established and operational, providing a dedicated space for innovation and development.
Development of clean technology prototypes aligned with Cummins’ Environmental Sustainability Strategy goals (e.g., decarbonization, water stewardship, circular economy)
Documentation of technical feasibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness
Increased number of prototypes and pilot projects developed and tested using newly procured equipment.
• Strengthened innovation ecosystem through effective mentorship, training programs, and collaborative networks.
• Contribution to Cummins’ internal learning and innovation ecosystem
• Strategic Engagement and Brand Value:
Opportunities for leadership engagement through joint events, showcases, or mentoring
Provision of first right of rejection or acceptance for Cummins to support or scale promising innovations
Enhancement of Cummins’ brand value as a sustainability and innovation leader through co-branded initiatives and public recognition
Potential to contribute to Cummins’ broader Sustainability goals, including environmental metrics that may support future carbon accounting frameworks
• Efficient and sustainable operation of the center, ensuring continuity and impact through proper management and administration.
• All outcomes must align with CSR regulations under the Companies Act, 2013, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and non-exclusivity.
Project Duration
The support for the project is envisaged for 3 to 5 years
Tentative budget
The budget for a proposal should be upto Rs.2 Cr for a support period of FY 2025-26.
Timelines
August 01, 2025 - March 31, 2026
Eligibility Criteria Guidelines for NGO Apply now