Frequently Asked Questions

Shell E⁴ Program provides a platform for collaboration and conversation around valuable energy transitions, offering startups an opportunity to bring their ideas to life with Shell’s guidance and support. The Shell E⁴ program builds upon the company’s global vision to support the energy sector’s evolving ecosystem. Shell has a rich history of working with entrepreneurs across the energy value chain globally. Startups shall have access to infrastructure, expertise, capital and customers to help them accelerate their business growth and test the commercial and technical viability of their business offering. The startups will benefit from Shell’s Technology Labs and IT infrastructure, resources, network of partners and customers, and will also have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to other potential investors brought in during the program.

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 based on 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

Selection is based on the 4 high level criteria: 

1. Potential for Significant Value Generation
2. Fit with India energy transition and Shell E4 themes. Shell can make an impact for the startup by providing tangible value in addition to funding.
3. Unique business model and/or technology
4. Strong team that understands their market, product, strengths and weaknesses. Open to coaching and mentoring.

Important dates per track

Growth Track

Currently accepting applications for next cohort (Growth Track) with selection to take place mid-2020.

Digital Track

Currently accepting applications for next cohort (Digital Track) with selection to take place mid-2020.

International Track

Rolling admission applications will be reviewed on monthly basis, if selected start date will be agreed between startup and E⁴ program.

Scale Track

Currently accepting applications for next cohort (Scale Track) with selection to take place mid-September 2020.

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 program by registering their business ideas through an online link https://www.f6s.com/shelle4/apply. The link will direct the applicant to an online application form on the F6S platform 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.

The start-ups should be post lab PoC (typically TRL level 4-7) with a potential to impact the future of energy.

We will work with the selected startup for a period of three months up to two years, depending on which track the startup is selected for and provide them with access to Shell’s capability in technology development and product commercialization, along with mentorship and a fixed sum investment. Startups must fulfil the following criteria:

• Operate in an Indian city (or are based overseas and looking for 'soft-landing' facilities in India)
• Be post lab PoC (typically TRL level 4-7)
• All tracks require some physical presence in Bangalore. Ranging from 1-6 weeks depending on the track. Typically, presence is not required for more than 1 week out of any month. We understand you have a startup to run. 
• Business must be in a relevant field or activity (see Our Themes)

English

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

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

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 Shell experts like Mr. Nitin Prasad, Chairman, Shell group of companies in India; and Kirk Coburn, Venture Principal, Shell Technology Ventures.

Shell E⁴ programme will give the selected start-up 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 near 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 organized 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 Ventures. Besides Shell’s investment arm, start-ups can also 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.

*For more information about programme offerings, please go to the programme section and read the various tracks that the Hub offers.

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 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 commercialization 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.