Shell E4 Program has four tracks each track is designed to support startups at various maturity levels and their unique needs. Current program tracks are:

  • Growth Track (Startup with pilotable products/solutions)
  • Digital Track (Post MVP Stage)
  • Scale Tack (Startup with deployable products/solutions)
  • International Track (Soft landing - International startups looking to enter the Indian market)

Details of each track can be found at the bottom of the webpage

Picture of Shell Technology Centre Bangalore

Why join the E4 Program?

Infrastructure: Incubated start-ups will have access to Shell’s Technology and 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 startups.

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 has been built into the program. The Hub will also provide support for organizational functions like HR and legal.

Access to Capital: In addition to investment of up to $20,000, start-ups may raise further funding through Shell investment arms such as Shell Ventures. Besides Shell’s investment arm, start-ups will also have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to other potential investors brought in during the program.

Access to Customers: If found relevant, Shell can be a potential deployment partner and customer. Additionally, where possible, the Hub can facilitate introduction to its network of partners and customers in India and abroad. Start-ups 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 start-ups will benefit from Shell’s Technology Labs and IT infrastructure, a network of partners and customers, and will also have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to other potential investors brought in during the program.

At the end of the six-month program, the cohort start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch to top investors from India and abroad as well as meet with an array of decision makers from the energy ecosystem, on Demo Day. After the cohort graduates, they will continue their relationship with the program through the Shell E4 alumni network.

NET ZERO CHALLENGE

At Shell, we are committed to achieving net zero emissions and becoming a low-carbon energy business by 2050.
We believe that engaging eco-system and forming alliances is the way forward to co-create low carbon solutions.

Net Zero Challenge

As part of our efforts to contribute towards the growth of the energy start-up ecosystem, Shell E4 has launched the Net Zero Challenge. This challenge is open to emerging talents at educational institutions, research organizations and incubators. It is designed to support the best entrepreneurs by providing them with a global platform to showcase their initiatives and develop market-fit products. Participants will also receive mentoring from global leaders, industry experts, and leverage soft landing and market access opportunities.

The Net Zero Challenge is a tailor-made program focused on identifying and supporting Idea Stage & Early Growth Stage startups. The program is designed to help these start-ups to develop and scale their businesses for the future readiness.

Click here to apply

Who is it for?

Aspiring Entrepreneurs build product/Services evolving under Net Zero Carbon Emission – Engineering / Non-Technical students / post-Graduate students / PhD students/ Early-stage startups (less than 1 year in existence) pursuing ideas with intent to begin their startup journey.

Startup Category: Idea Stage & Early Growth Stage startups

Focused Sectors/Areas

Clean-Tech, Sustainability, Waste management, Plastic Circularity, Digital AI/ML solution for Net Zero Emission, EV Charging solution, Battery Swapping, Cost reduction carbon capture technologies, Supply chain decarbonization, Carbon Utilization: Novel CO₂ conversion chemistries etc.

What can you expect from Shell E4 NZC program?

a) Understanding of product-market fit

b) Business plan review & consultation of strategy to scale the business

c) 3 Months extensive Bootcamp journey

d) Funding opportunity for minimum viable product

e) Opportunity to learn from leaders & business experts.

f) Opportunity to connect with investors.

Start-ups participating in the Net Zero Challenge will have the opportunity to leverage Shell’s subject matter expertise and global reach, as well as the resources and networks of India’s premier business and technical institutions. Additionally, they will benefit from a curated network of industry experts and advisors to accelerate their business proposition.

The Challenge Offers

  • In-depth knowledge to begin your start-up journey
  • One-on-one mentoring support to understand product-market fit and to receive guidance on product development.
  • Access to an established support ecosystem that includes eminent advisors and subject matter experts from Shell and its partners.
  • A potential opportunity to co-create products and solutions with identified Shell businesses and relevant partners.
  • Engagement with the investor community, which could lead to potential funding opportunities
  • Increased visibility and media coverage in relevant target markets.
  • An opportunity to pitch to India's top Investors and learn from top decision makers.
  • Opportunity to get your ideas validated by global organization.

Program Journey & Important dates

  • Phase 1 : Application

    The Net Zero Challenge application form will be live until 30th June, 2023. Participants willing to take part in the Net Zero Challenge must register their application only through the following link or apply through Net Zero Challenge page under program section of the Shell E4 website.

  • Phase 2 : Application review

    Applications may be reviewed by industry expert, Advisors, Investors, Shell E4 team, Shell E4 partners (internal & External).

  • Phase 3 : Top selections

    You will be notified of your application selection through email by July 30, 2023. If you are selected as a top start-up/Idea, you will be given opportunity to present your business ideas in pitch day.

  • Phase 4 : Pitch Day

    Pitch Day will be conducted physically/virtually, and details will be shared with the participants in due course. Selected participants must be present on-site to present their business case to jury members.

  • Phase 5 : Bootcamps

    The top selected start-ups will have access to the 3 months Bootcamp journey. This will offer a deep-dive learning experience and a one-on-one mentoring session with industry experts, academia and Shell E4 Leaders.

  • Phase 6 : Minimum viable product (MVP) Funding

    The top select start-ups will pitch for MVP funding to the Shell E4 selection committee, and the top selected startups/ideas can avail MVP funding.

Important things to know before applying

  1. All the participants in a team must not exceed total 5 members and minimum 2 members and must be from same college.
  2. You must include following slide in the pitch deck such as Industry & Market size, Problem statement, Solution, USP, who are your customers (Business Model), 3 Years plan & projection etc. You must have your pitch deck ready.
  3. Make sure one member from your team will be Point of contact and fill up the form accurately.
  4. Two Members per startup is mandatory to be present on Pitch Fest Event.
  5. In case form is not filled up correctly then application will be immediately declined.
  6. In case Pitch deck is not upload as per the above-mentioned guidelines then, application may be considered as invalid.
  7. All information of your application will be consumed only for application review & judgement purpose.
  8. Please note, Once you are selected in pitch day, you must register your startup as a Private limited company in due course.
  9. Please note this is non-hiring & no commitment process and meant to support entrepreneurship only.

Disclaimer: Shell E4 Reserves the rights to alter program at any point of time. 

To Know more, Contact Us

SMART ENERGY TRACK

The smart energy track is a program designed for early to mid-stage start-ups that have proven proof of concept (or solution). It is a tailor-made program focused on helping startups scale their businesses and become market ready.

Smart Energy Track

Who is it for?

For Founders of startups (early & Mid-stage) focused on the evolving energy industry and who are seeking.

a) product development support & product-market fit and

b) to scale their businesses.

These startups will be able to leverage Shell’s subject matter expertise and global reach, while also benefiting from a curated network of industry experts & advisors to accelerate their business development.

Program Focus

  • Enabling business operations scaling by providing guidance on setting up systems, processes & building teams.
  • Enabling product development with insightful problem statements, use cases and with dedicated infrastructure support.
  • Assist in the refinement of business strategy to expand the business through identifying the right target markets.
  • Build a strong & relevant network of industry experts and advisors with potential leads to customers & investors.

The Track Offers:

  • Access to an established support ecosystem consisting of eminent advisors and subject matter experts from Shell & Partners.
  • Startups will have access to Lab & infrastructure support from Shell & Partners to conduct product development and testing activities.
  • Potential opportunity to work with identified Shell businesses & relevant Partners to help co create products and solutions.
  • Engagement with the investor community leading to potential funding opportunities
  • A strong & relevant set of mentors to guide your startup throughout the acceleration journey.
  • Visibility and media coverage in relevant target markets.
  • The cohort start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch to top investors from India and abroad as well as meet with an array of decision makers from the energy ecosystem, on Demo Day (Recognized as India’s biggest energy entrepreneurship conference).
  • Opportunity to participate in “Shell E4 Urrja”, which is E4’s inhouse Energy roundtable conference that will host Globally renowned panel members, distinguished in their respective industries.
  • Opportunity to leverage Shell's credibility and visibility to strengthen brand equity.

Start-ups likely to be relevant

Start-ups that are likely to be considered for this track are those working on innovative solutions with some customer traction and the competence to grow. The company should be able to leverage the resources that are provided to build highly competitive industry-relevant products not just for India, but global markets.

Start-ups that will benefit the most from this program should have:

  • A scalable business model and on a growth path.
  • High potential to scale.
  • Adequate resources and readiness to fully participate in the program and able to handle new projects and deployments.

Phase 1 - Assess: Evaluate the current state of your startup’s, Market, investor and enterprise readiness through a structured framework curated by industry experts & create a customized execution plan. The program will kick off with a 1-week intensive boot camp to define the roadmap of the program.

Phase 2 - Execute: This is the activation phase wherein you will execute your action plan for the next 2 to 4 months specifically on operations and growth. The Shell E4 team will support you in creating an advisory board. Bi-monthly virtual check-in sessions will be organized between you, your mentor and the E4 team to monitor the progress of your plan. You will have full access to the lab infrastructure to help you with your product enhancement plans and verifying product-market fit.

Phase 3 – Mature: Define go-to-market strategies for scale, build market-ready Enterprise solutions, implement strategies to mature potential pilot with Shell & Investor readiness

Phase 4 – Scale: Establish operations and teams to enable scaling, Market penetration/ Global expansion, Investor engagement, Pitch at Demo day.

Beyond the Program: The program’s duration is 6 months. After graduation, the startups will:

  • continue to have access to the Shell technology center, based on agreement with the Shell E4 Startup Hub.
  • Become a part of the alumni pool and benefit from access to a network of India’s best energy entrepreneurs and mentors.
  • Startups will be able to pitch to investors, customers and other members of the ecosystem at the largest energy entrepreneur event in India - Shell E4 Demo Day

To find out more about the Smart Energy Track and download a copy of the brochure please click here for the Smart Energy Track Brochure.

To read about the applications and selection process please go to the 'How to Apply' Section

To know more about Smart Energy Track and other Focus themes of E4, please visit ‘E4 Themes’ Section.

To get in touch please write to: SIMPL-Shell-E4-Hub@shell.com

GROWTH TRACK

For energy-related startups working on product development and customer discovery.

Growth Track E4 Team

Who is it for? 

The growth track at the Shell E4 Start-up Hub is a 6-month curriculum designed for energy related, early to mid-stage start-ups. We prefer start-ups that have a finished product (or service) and have completed proof of concept testing. Typically, the startups on this program will be in the Pilot phase. This is a comprehensive and tailor-made program to launch startups on an accelerated growth journey.

The Track Offers: 

  • Access to a curated set of advisors and subject matter experts from Shell
  • A dedicated mentor to guide your startup throughout the acceleration journey
  • Best of industry connections and market access
  • State-of-the-art testing and prototyping laboratories for product development
  • Opportunity to work with Shell businesses to help co create products and solutions
  • Access to alumni network for continuing association beyond end of program
  • Regular interactions with the investor community & external mentors leading to funding and business development opportunities
  • Peer learning sessions to help benefit from other founders’ learnings
  • Visibility and media coverage across India and the world
  • Opportunity to pitch at Demo Day to the who’s who of the energy ecosystem
  • Pitch training and support from media industry leaders and domain experts
  • 20 K USD funding

Boot Camps: Start-ups begin their journey with a 1 week kick off Boot Camp which will include a baseline assessment of the company, sessions on strategy & business planning and introductions with the various Shell businesses (that the start-up may work with during the program to enhance their product, to find customers or to form other types of partnerships). 

Focus Weeks: Monthly focus weeks will bring together industry experts to conduct classroom sessions across a range of topics like Product Development, Branding, Business Finance etc. These weeks will be held in Bangalore as well as other major startup ecosystems across India. 

Founders Socials: During the program the start-ups will be invited to several networking engagements - the monthly Founders Socials and other events organized by Shell. At the Founders Social you will interact with a curated set of investors, industry experts and corporates. This will be an opportunity to grow your network and make relevant connections.

Executive Series: A key highlight of the Shell E4 program is the Executive Series. This series will host successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders – all of who have been there, done that – for interactive sessions with the cohort on different aspects of their startup journey. These will be scheduled during the Focus week.

Shell E4 Demo Day: At the end of the curriculum, the cohort start-ups will pitch to investors, customers and other members of the ecosystem at the largest energy entrepreneur event in India - Shell E4 Demo Day. 

To find out more about the Growth Track and download a copy of the brochure please click here for the Growth Track Brochure. 

To read about the applications and selection process please go to the 'How to Apply' Section

To get in touch please write to: SIMPL-Shell-E4-Hub@shell.com

SCALE TRACK

For Founders of startups focused on the Energy Industry and seeking to a) confirm product-market fit and b) scale their business. Shell’s E4 Scale program is designed to strengthen startups’ business strategies and execution capabilities. These startups will be able to leverage Shell and its partners’ subject matter expertise, while also benefiting from a curated network of industry experts & advisors to accelerate their product maturation.

Who is it for?

The scale track is a program designed for growth stage start-ups that have deployable product (or solution) with some paying customers. It is a tailor-made program focused on helping scale their businesses and market share in the industry by leveraging Shell’s global reach including those of its partners.

Program Focus

  • Enable business operations scaling by providing guidance on setting up systems & processes, building teams.
  • Enable product maturation with insightful problem statements, use cases and with dedicated infrastructure support.
  • Assist in the refinement of business strategy to expand the business with the right products & partners for the target market
  • Acquire a curated network of industry experts and advisors with leads to potential customers and investors
  • Leverage Shell's credibility and visibility to establish advisory boards and strengthen brand equity

Potential Outcomes

  • Access to pilot and deployment opportunities
  • Enhanced sales funnel and accelerated customer acquisition timelines
  • Open opportunities for Investments and Partnerships
  • Increase in Valuation
  • Opportunities for International Expansion

Start-ups likely to be relevant

Start-ups that are likely to be considered for this track are those working on innovative solutions with some customer traction and the competence to grow. The company should be able to leverage the resources that are provided to build highly competitive industry-relevant products not just for India, but global markets.

Start-ups that will benefit the most from this program should have:

  • A scalable business model and on a growth path.
  • High potential to scale.
  • Impactful deployments (pilots & more) backed by case studies and testimonials
  • A strong qualified customer pipeline and deal flow plan
  • Adequate resources and readiness to fully participate in the program and able to handle new projects and deployments.
  • Revenue traction.

Phase 1 - Assess: The program will kick off with a 1-week intensive face to face boot camp to conduct a baseline assessment of your company. The sessions during the week will focus on various aspects of strategy, growth/scale-up needs, product market fit, business operations, etc. This is meant to identify bottlenecks and create scale up plans.

Phase 2 - Execute: This is the activation phase wherein you will execute your action plan for the next 2 to 4 months specifically on operations, customer acquisition and growth. The Shell E4 team will support you in creating an advisory board. Monthly virtual check-in sessions will be organized between you, your mentor and the E4 team to monitor the progress of your plan. You will have full access to the lab infrastructure to help you with your product enhancement plans and verifying product-market fit.

Phase 3 – Pilot: In this phase, you along with the mentor and E4 team will work towards potential deployments, build deal flow plans and establish operations at scale.

Beyond the Program: The program is expected to last between 4 to 6 months depending on each startup’s needs and execution of the action plan. Every startup will have access to the Shell labs beyond the end of the program based on agreement with the E4 Hub. The startups will also become part of the alumni pool and benefit from access to a network of India’s best energy entrepreneurs and mentors. Start-ups will be able to pitch to investors, customers and other members of the ecosystem at the largest energy entrepreneur event in India - Shell E4 Demo Day

To know more about the track and download a copy of the brochure please click on Shell E4 Scale Track Brochure.

To read about the applications and selection process please go to the 'How to Apply' Section.

To get in touch please write to: SIMPL-Shell-E4-Hub@shell.com

DIGITAL TRACK 2022

A comprehensive and tailor-made program enabling digital and energy transition startups to achieve industry readiness and implement strategies for scaling/ global expansion in the Industrial, Mobility & Energy verticals.

Digital Track Partners
Who is it for? 

The digital track at the Shell E4 Start-up Hub is a multi-partner program for digital startups that fast tracks industry solution maturation towards global market adoption by achieving enterprise readiness, materializing industry deployments and accessing international markets. The startups will benefit from a curated network of industry experts & advisors leveraging Shell + Partners’ global reach.

Startups Likely to be Relevant: 

We prefer start-ups that have a deployable product with at least some paying customers. This is a comprehensive and tailor-made program enabling digital startups to rapidly identify product-market-fit and implement a framework for scaling. The duration of the program is 6 months with continued support via alumni program thereafter.

Startups that will benefit the most from this program should have:

  • A scalable business model and aspirational growth capability.
  • Post POC stage or demonstrated pilotsIntent and commitment to leverage necessary resources to scale.
  • Value proposition based on trendsetting technology such as: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Industry 4.0, Machine Vision, IoT, Mixed realities (AR/VR), Analytics, Robotics, Blockchain, Cloud/ Edge computing, Optimization
  • Or disruptive technologies in the energy transition space such as: hydrogen, low carbon fuels 
The Track Offers: 
  • Comprehensive and tailor-made program to mature & scale the business and set it on a path for long-term success
  • Support with product – market fit
  • Access to Shell businesses & Partners for use cases and International exposure
  • Access to Shell & Partners relevant digital infrastructures and data for use cases
  • Customized plan to help achieve industry readiness for potential deployments & market adoption
  • Industry knowledge for gaining traction in the Energy industry
  • Regular interactions with the investor community & external mentors leading to funding and business development opportunities
  • Lead mentors supporting throughout the journey
  • Visibility and media coverage
  • Access to alumni network and potential customer connects post the program
  • Opportunity to pitch at Demo Day to the who’s who of the energy ecosystem

Phase 1 – Asses: Assess the current state of your startup e.g. PMF, GTM, create execution plans to become global market ready, Become Industry ready

Phase 2 – Build: Use case discussion with Shell business and Partners, Verify/ Build product-market fit, Assess and build capabilities / commercial strategies for scale

Phase 3 – Mature: Define go-to-market strategies for scale, build market-ready Enterprise solutions, implement strategies to mature potential deployments with Shell & Partners, Investor readiness

Phase 4Scale: Establish operations and teams to enable scaling, Market penetration/ Global expansion, Investor engagement, Pitch at Demo day

Beyond the Program: 

The program is expected to last up tp 6 months depending on each startup’s needs and execution of the action plan. Every startup will have access to the Shell labs beyond the end of the program based on agreement with the Shell E4 Startup Hub The startups will also become part of the alumni pool and benefit from access to a network of India’s best energy entrepreneurs and mentors. Startups will be able to pitch to investors, customers and other members of the ecosystem at the largest energy entrepreneur event in India - Shell E4 Demo Day

To find out more about the Digital Track and download a copy of the brochure please click here for the Digital Track Brochure

To read about the applications and selection process please go to the 'How to Apply' Section

To know more about Digital and other Focus themes of E4, please visit ‘E4 ThemesSection.

To get in touch please write to: SIMPL-Shell-E4-Hub@shell.com