Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program: AI for Science - Energy Decarbonisation

The Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program is a global accelerator run by GDC and IIT Madras that identifies and nurtures promising AI-based STEM innovations and startups in India tackling decarbonisation challenges. The program supports teams at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2–4, providing entrepreneurship training, business mentorship, and access to Shell’s technical network and manufacturing resources. The core focus is on AI for Science, integrating generative learning with physics-based modeling to develop low-carbon solutions aligned with Shell’s decarbonisation strategies. Selected teams undergo an 8-month accelerator (Dec 2025 – Jul 2026) structured in three phases, with grants awarded after Phase 2 and Phase 3, and an opportunity to pitch for further collaboration and investment at the end.

• Grant funding up to ₹10,00,000 for PoC development after Phase 3.
• 8-month accelerator with training, mentorship, and Shell’s network.
• Open to TRL 2-4 AI-based STEM innovations in energy decarbonisation.
• Pitch day for potential collaboration and investment from Shell.
• Pre-incubated research teams must incorporate by end of Phase 2.

• Target Group: Early-stage Indian startups and late-stage translational research teams from Indian STEM universities, labs, and incubators.
• Technology Focus: AI-based innovations in science with applications in low-carbon solutions, particularly energy decarbonisation.
• TRL: Technology Readiness Levels 2–4.
• Incorporation Requirement: Pre-incubated research teams must incorporate a company by the end of Phase 2 to qualify for Phase 3.

Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program: AI for Science - Energy Decarbonisation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program: AI for Science - Energy Decarbonisation closed on 31 Dec 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Phase 2 Grant: Promising teams may receive up to ₹5,00,000 after Phase 2.
• Phase 3 Grant: Additional grants up to ₹10,00,000 for proof-of-concept (PoC) development may be awarded after Phase 3.
• Non-Financial Support: Entrepreneurship training, business mentorship, access to Shell’s technical network and manufacturing resources, and a pitch day for potential collaboration and investment.

Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program: AI for Science - Energy Decarbonisation is offered by GDC, IIT Madras, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by GDC, IIT Madras as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

1. Registration & Application: Complete the online registration to access the detailed application form and submit project/business idea information.
2. Review & Interview: Submissions are reviewed by the selection committee, and eligible applicants are invited for an interview.
3. Program Offer: Selected teams receive an offer to join the 8-month accelerator program (Dec 2025 – Jul 2026).
4. Phased Progress: The program runs in three phases. After Phase 2, promising teams may receive up to ₹5,00,000. After Phase 3, additional grants up to ₹10,00,000 for PoC development may be awarded.
5. Pitch Day: At the end of the program, teams pitch to Shell for potential collaboration and investment.

Before you apply to Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program: AI for Science - Energy Decarbonisation, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program: AI for Science - Energy Decarbonisation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.