Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge
By Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI)
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Quick Answer
Avinya'27 is a national energy startup challenge by FIPI, inviting DPIIT-recognised Indian startups to develop innovative solutions across the energy value chain, offering cash prizes up to ₹3 lakh, mentorship, and showcase opportunities.
- Funding amount
- ₹1 Lakhs – ₹3 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 9d — 15 Sept 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this competition
The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge, organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), is a premier competition designed to foster innovation within India's dynamic energy sector. Building on the success of previous editions, Avinya'27 aims to identify and support Indian startups that are developing groundbreaking solutions across the entire energy value chain.
Anchored in the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the challenge seeks to highlight innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability, and diversity within the energy ecosystem. It encourages entrepreneurs, research enthusiasts, and students to bring forth technologies and ideas that can shape the future of energy in India. Participants will address critical areas including renewable energy, alternative fuels, low-carbon technologies, and the hydrocarbon value chain.
The initiative provides a significant platform for emerging startups to showcase their solutions to industry leaders, policymakers, and investors at the prestigious India Energy Week '27, scheduled for January 2027. This exposure is invaluable for gaining visibility, securing partnerships, and accelerating growth in a rapidly evolving sector. Avinya'27 is a catalyst for driving India's energy transition goals and strengthening its position as a global leader in energy innovation.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Organizers
The Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) is a not-for-profit apex body of the Indian petroleum and energy industry, representing companies across the hydrocarbon value chain. It runs initiatives such as the Avinya Energy Startup Challenge to promote innovation in the…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹1 Lakhs – ₹3 Lakhs
What You Get
The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge offers significant incentives to accelerate the growth of innovative energy startups. The top 3 winners will receive cash prizes of INR 3 lakh, INR 2 lakh, and INR 1 lakh respectively. Beyond the financial reward, the top 5 winners will gain invaluable industry mentorship and facilitated introductions to curated investor cohorts, opening doors for future funding and strategic guidance. They will also secure an exclusive opportunity to showcase their ideas at a designated exhibition space during India Energy Week '27, providing unparalleled visibility to industry leaders and policymakers. Furthermore, these top startups may gain potential access to shared incubation workspace, lab facilities, and prototyping infrastructure, alongside fast-tracked procurement pathways. There is also a potential opportunity to work on Proof of Concept (PoC) and pilot projects with industry partners, validating their solutions in real-world scenarios. All top 10 startups will receive certificates of recognition and enhanced visibility through FIPI platforms, increasing their discoverability within the energy ecosystem.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 4 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for Avinya'27 is structured into two competitive rounds. In Round 1, all submitted applications will undergo a thorough screening based on predefined evaluation criteria. This initial assessment will identify the most promising solutions and business cases. Following this, the top 10 applications will be selected to advance to the next stage. In Round 2, these top 10 selected startups will present their detailed business cases and innovative solutions to a high-profile jury. This jury comprises venture capitalists, industry stalwarts, energy experts, and incubator leaders. Based on these presentations, the top 5 winners of the Avinya'27 Challenge will be chosen. The felicitation ceremony for the winners will take place at India Energy Week 2027, offering a prestigious platform for recognition.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your detailed application through the Startup India portal by the deadline.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
My idea is incomplete; it is still just a concept note. Can I still apply?
Yes, the program is open to ideas from the ideation stage. However, it is recommended to submit a complete application to enable effective evaluation and demonstrate your concept's potential. If you've already submitted an incomplete application, please reach out to the organizers at energystartupchallenge@gmail.com for further guidance.
I have additional questions that have not been answered, who can I connect with?
For any additional questions, you can connect with Mr. Karan Karwal, Senior Assistant Director at Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI, via email at karan@fipi.org.in or energystartupchallenge@gmail.com.
What happens if I submit an incomplete application? Can I withdraw / edit the application?
It's recommended to submit a complete application to enable effective evaluation. However, if you've submitted an incomplete application, please reach out to the organizers for further guidance at energystartupchallenge@gmail.com. Generally, applications cannot be edited once submitted, but it's best to confirm with the organizing team.
Which stages of startups are eligible for Avinya'27?
The challenge is open to startups from the Ideation stage up to Series C. This includes bootstrapped, pre-seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C funded companies, encompassing a wide range of maturity levels.
What are the key focus areas for solutions in Avinya'27?
Avinya'27 seeks innovative solutions across the entire energy value chain, including renewable energy (solar, hydro, wind), alternative fuels (biofuels, green hydrogen), low-carbon technologies (CCUS, e-mobility), the hydrocarbon value chain (oil & gas, coal gasification), and functional areas like AI/ML, digital tech, and energy trading.
Are there any age or turnover restrictions for applying startups?
Yes, applying startups should have been incorporated a maximum of 10 years ago (as of January 1st, 2027) and must have an annual turnover of less than INR 100 crore to be eligible for the challenge.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
