Frequently Asked Questions

The Shell E4 programme is scouting for entrepreneurs, start-ups with innovative business models, technology ideas and products. The start-ups should be in early, pilot, or post-pilot stages with a potential to impact the future of energy. We will work with the selected cohort for a period of six months and provide them with access to Shell’s capability in technology development and product commercialization, along with mentorship and a fixed sum investment.

The evaluation process entails the following stages:

Initial screening of the applications: There is a multi-level screening process involved. Applications will be screened over multiple rounds for eligibility against the assessment criteria and scored on the basis of screening guidelines. All the shortlisted start-ups shall be notified at the end of this screening round. Those who do not meet the criteria will not proceed to the next round.

Due diligence: The selected start-ups will go through an audit to confirm all facts, financial records, any other deemed material

Shortlisting of the start-ups for 1st cohort: Following the evaluation, the selected start-ups will form the 1st cohort and will be incubated with Shell for a period of 6 months.

Start-ups selected as part of 1 st cohort will work with Shell for a period of 6 months.

Cohort 2 Application Deadline - May 31st, 2018

Announcement of Cohort 2 - June 30th, 2018

There is no registration fee to participate. However, Shell will take a small equity position in the selected start-ups. This shall be a mandatory condition for getting accepted into the Shell E⁴ programme.

Companies can participate in the Shell E⁴ programme by registering their business ideas through an online link provided on Shell India website. The link will direct the applicant to an online application form that will ask for specific details with respect to their business idea, model/solution, contribution to India’s energy scenario, feasibility in the Indian market and personal information.

Enterprises must:

• Operate in an Indian city
• Be early stage, pilot or post pilot
• Physically available at Bangalore for 6 months between July - December 2018
• The indicative list of themes to be followed:
  • Conventional Oil and Gas: Improving production efficiency and safety; Wastewater management; Enhanced hydrocarbon recovery
  • Distribution in Energy Storage: Micro-grid management; Smart metering; Efficiency in distribution network; Batteries/hydrogen/fuel cell
  • Digitalization: Predictive Maintenance solutions for the Oil & Gas market; Blockchain solutions for the Supply Chain.
  • Mobility Solution: Transport Safety; LNG in transport (buses/trucks); Clean Technology (EV Vehicles)
  • Waste Management: Waste-to-energy segregation
  • Environment: Energy efficiency; Reducing CO2 emission
  • Renewable Energy: Solar energy, Wind energy, Bio-gas/biodiesel
  • Energy Access: Energy as an enabler, technology, services and business models
    

*Please note - This is not an exhaustive but just an indicative list.

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We will read all applications that are complete and fulfill our eligibility criteria.

No. In case, of more than three members, please provide an organogram. Additionally, clearly specify the details of the team member who would be representing the business throughout the Shell E⁴ programme.

All complete and eligible applications will be reviewed and assessed by a selection panel formed by a group of professionals with diverse backgrounds in the energy industry.

The jury is diverse and inclusive drawing from international / national experts like Mr. Nitin Prasad, Chairman, Shell group of companies in India; Anuradha Bhavnani, Head, Shell Foundation, India and Kirk Coburn, Venture Principal, Shell Technology Ventures.

Shell E⁴ programme will give the 1st cohort an access to the following:

• Infrastructure: Incubated start-ups will have access to Shell Technology Centre Bangalore (STCB) and Shell IT labs in Bangalore to support product development and testing. Additionally, the start-ups will be co-located with other leading energy start-ups in STCB providing them the opportunity to be in the vicinity of other like-minded start-ups.
• Mentorship and Advisory: Start-ups will have access to technical and commercial mentorship by leveraging subject market experts in the organization. Additionally, regular interaction with industry leaders and academia will be organised as part of the programme. The Hub will also provide support for organizational functions like HR and legal.
• Access to Capital: In addition to the fixed sum investment of $20,000, start-ups may raise further funding through the Investment Fund/Shell Technology Ventures (STV). Besides Shell’s investment arm, start-ups will also have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to other potential investors brought in towards the end of the programme.
• Access to Customers: If found relevant, Shell can be a potential deployment partner and customer. Additionally, where possible, the hub can provide access to Shell’s network of partners and customers in India and abroad.

Shell GameChanger programme works with start-ups and businesses on unproven early-stage ideas with the potential to impact the future of energy. Shell provides these start-ups and businesses with a quick and cost-efficient way to show the technical and commercial viability of their technology idea or business plan

Under this programme, Shell provide companies with support, expertise and seed funding, while they maintain the independence to make their own decisions. Shell GameChanger has interacted with more than 5,000 innovators around the world, helping them turn more than 150 ideas into reality.

Shell Technology Ventures (STV) invests in companies across the energy sector to speed up the development and deployment of technologies complementing Shell business.

Established in 1998 as the first corporate venture fund in the oil and gas industry, STV acts as an investor and a partner in the commercialisation of innovation.

STV’s investment focus is a mix of traditional oil and gas, clean and green technologies, funds-of-funds and supporting companies to spin out. It considers companies in all stages of maturity, from seed to growth.

Along with funding, STV offers companies technical and scientific expertise, R&D facilities and field trial pilots to further develop and demonstrate their concepts. STV also provide unique access to a global customer base and to an extensive supplier and contractor network.