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.

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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 21st July, 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. 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

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E4 Themes

Shell E4 is interested in a broad range of energy-related solutions relevant to Shell

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Find out the application and selection process to join the Shell E4 program, plus guidelines on who is eligible to join.

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The start-ups should be in early, pilot, or post-pilot stages with a potential to impact the future of energy.