The Application and Selection
The application is open for all the tracks for startups with innovative business models, technology ideas and products. The selection process has different stages and there is a multi-level screening process involved. All the selected startups shall be notified at the end of the screening round. Important dates and more details about application and selection can be found below.
What are the important dates?
Important dates per track
Digital Track
Currently ongoing selection for next cohort (Digital Track) which is intended to start early 2021.
Scale Track
Currently accepting applications for next cohort (Scale Track) with selection to take place early-2021.
International Track
Rolling admission applications will be reviewed on monthly basis, if selected start date will be agreed between startup and E4 program.
Growth Track
Currently accepting applications for next cohort (Growth Track) with selection to take place mid-2021.
The application process
The Shell E4 (Energizing and Enabling Energy Entrepreneurs) programme is open for entrepreneurs, start-ups with innovative business models, technology ideas and products. The E4 Startup Programme offers tracks for startups at various maturity levels however the start-up should be in post lab PoC (typically TRL level 4-7) with a potential to impact the future of energy. We will work with the selected cohort for a period of 3-8 months, depending on the program with extension available for up to 2 years, providing them with access to Shell’s capability in technology development and product commercialization, along with mentorship.
Companies can participate in the Shell E4 programme by completing application at the apply now 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.
The selection process
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:
- Potential for Significant Value Generation
- Fit with India energy transition and Shell E4 themes. Shell and program partners can make an impact for the startup by providing tangible value in addition to funding.
- Unique business model and/or technology
- Strong team that understands their market, product, strengths and weaknesses. Open to coaching and mentoring.
Who Can Apply?
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 ranging from 1-3 days per month depending on the track. We understand you have a startup to run and wish to support, not disrupt, those efforts.
- Business must be in a relevant field or activity (see Our Themes)
FAQ
Please click on the appropriate link to reveal the appropriate guidance to each question.
About Shell E4 programme
What is the Shell E4 program?
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.
What will the selection process entail?
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:
- Potential for Significant Value Generation
- 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.
- Unique business model and/or technology
- Strong team that understands their market, product, strengths and weaknesses. Open to coaching and mentoring.
What are the important dates?
Important dates per track
Digital Track
Currently ongoing selection for next cohort (Digital Track) which is intended to start early 2021.
Scale Track
Currently accepting applications for next cohort (Scale Track) with selection to take place early-2021.
International Track
Rolling admission applications will be reviewed on monthly basis, if selected start date will be agreed between startup and E4 program.
Growth Track
Currently accepting applications for next cohort (Growth Track) with selection to take place mid-2021.
Can my organization submit more than one application?
We will only accept one application per organization.
Can we participate if we are already getting support from another corporate, agency or investor?
Yes. The application form will ask you to provide details of any external funding or support received by your team.
Process
Is there a registration fee?
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.
How do I register for this program?
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.
Who can apply?
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)
Application Form
Will all application forms be reviewed?
We will review all applications that are complete and fulfill our eligibility criteria.
Is there a team size requirement?
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.
Is there any age limit?
18 is the minimum age limit for the team member who would be representing the business throughout the Shell E4programme. For rest of the team members there is no age restriction.
Do we have to submit additional material?
The application form captures the relevant material. We will reach out to you if any other documents required.
Will our information be kept confidential?
Only non-confidential information should be shared in your application. Your information will be shared with the application review team including and not limited to E4 team, E4 program partners and Shell internal stakeholders. For more information, read our Terms and Conditions.
Judging
Who will assess my application?
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.
Who will judge our pitch?
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.
What do I get if I get selected?
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.
Who can I get in touch with?
You can write to us at: SIMPL-Shell-E4-Hub@shell.com
About the Global Programme
What is Shell GameChanger?
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.
What is Shell Ventures?
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.