BPCL Recognized Among Top 100 Global Corporate Startup Innovators
Mumbai, December 3, 2025: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), acknowledged as a Fortune Global 500 company and esteemed as a Maharatna Public Sector Enterprise, has earned a spot among the Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars. This distinction, awarded by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge, highlights BPCL as the sole entity from India in this global roster, which applauds leading corporations excelling in fostering startup collaborations.
Award Ceremony Highlights
The accolade was formally presented at a ceremony at the ICC headquarters in Paris. The 2025 Corporate Startup Stars Awards Announced, celebrated 100 corporations from the Forbes Global 2000 and Fortune Global 500 listings, noted for their exceptional engagement with startups and contributions to the innovation ecosystem.
Leadership Commentary
Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman and Managing Director of BPCL, expressed his pride in the recognition, stating, “Being acknowledged as one of the 2025 Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars globally reaffirms our dedication to nurturing an open innovation ecosystem. Our initiative, Ankur, is pivotal in spearheading innovations for a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future.” He also highlighted that this recognition coincides with BPCL’s 50th anniversary, underscoring a continued commitment to technological partnerships that support India’s energy sector evolution.
Project Ankur: A Catalyst for Innovation
Launched in 2016, Project Ankur has played a crucial role in driving innovation at BPCL.. The initiative has supported 30 startups that specialize in:
- Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Asset Integrity
- Industrial IoT
- Inspection and Predictive Maintenance
- Safety Technologies
Furthermore, the establishment of the ‘BPCL Ankur Fund’ aims to fuel early-stage startups that align with BPCL’s strategic future visions.
Global and Corporate Endorsements
John W H Denton AO, Secretary General of the ICC, praised the initiative, noting, “Innovation is the bedrock of sustained global economic advancement. We are proud to back entities like BPCL that establish impactful collaborations.” Alberto Onetti, Chairman of Mind the Bridge, commented on BPCL’s strategic innovation drive, saying, “Through initiatives like Project Ankur and the BPCL Ankur Fund, BPCL not only fosters the adoption of new technologies but also significantly supports early-stage entrepreneurs in the dynamic energy sector of India.”
This recognition serves as a testament to BPCL’s role as a pioneer in integrating startup innovation within its broader strategic framework, setting a benchmark for corporate-startup synergy globally.
