Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program: AI for Science - Energy Decarbonisation
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Quick Answer
An 8-month accelerator program for early-stage Indian startups and late-stage research teams developing AI-based innovations for energy decarbonisation. Participants receive entrepreneurship traini…
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹10L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- GDC, IIT Madras
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Eligible stage
- Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 31 December 2025. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by GDC, IIT Madras. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program is a global accelerator initiative focused on identifying and nurturing promising AI-based STEM innovations and startups in India that are working on decarbonisation-related challenges. The program supports teams at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2–4 through 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 for low-carbon solutions that align with Shell’s decarbonisation strategies.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC) is an entrepreneurship centre at IIT Madras, Chennai, launched in 2017. It runs short, cohort-based bootcamps that take STEM research teams from universities across India through customer discovery, so…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹10L
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Promising teams may receive up to INR 5,00,000 after completing Phase 2. Additional grants up to INR 10,00,000 for proof-of-concept (PoC) development may be awarded after Phase 3. At the end of the program, selected teams will pitch to Shell for potential collaboration and investment.
Application Process
- 1
Register
Click the registration link and complete your registration.
You - 2
- 3
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.









