HP Sahayog Startup Challenge

HP Sahayog is an innovation challenge under Udgam, run with SIIC, IIT Kanpur, to inspire startups to build inventive, sustainable solutions to problems HPCL faces. Its last listed run was December 2023 to January 2024, so treat it as between editions unless a new one is announced.

What you get

• Rewards, and a chance for the most innovative startups to be selected for pilot projects with HPCL's strategic business units, subject to detailed due diligence
• For selected startups, incubation, mentoring, access to funding schemes and procurement support for prototyping and piloting, under the guidance of SIIC, IIT Kanpur

Who can apply

• Startups registered with DPIIT that meet the DPIIT startup definition
• A product, prototype or MVP designed and developed in India, with any IP owned by the Indian company, and no copying of a product already launched, copyrighted or patented
• Individuals or teams outside a startup could take part only in association with a startup, and the startup founder had to attend the jury rounds

How selection works: Qualified entries went to jury rounds.

How to apply: Entries went through the HPCL Start-up portal, against nine problem themes such as business potential of retail outlets, electric vehicle charging station management and internal corrosion in refinery piping, plus an open theme for any other refining or marketing problem.