Deadline: November 16, 2025
The Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program, launched by Shell GameChanger in partnership with the Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC), IIT Madras, invites early-stage Indian startups and late-stage translational research projects to apply for support in developing AI-based STEM innovations that contribute to energy decarbonisation and low-carbon solutions, aiming to accelerate India’s journey towards Net Zero by providing mentorship, funding, and technical resources.
AI for Science integrates generative learning with physics-based modeling to simulate and predict phenomena across scales – from the atomic and molecular, through mesoscopic, to macroscopic, continuum and system level engineering domains. By combining data-driven insights with physics informed principles, these systems deliver faster, more accurate, and physically consistent solutions for multi-scale problems that challenge traditional computational methods.
The Shell-GDC I-GNITE Program is designed to nurture the most promising AI-driven STEM innovations in India, focusing on decarbonisation-related challenges. Early-stage startups and late-stage translational research teams from Indian STEM universities and labs working on AI-based scientific solutions are encouraged to participate.
Through this program, participating teams gain entrepreneurship training, business mentorship, and access to Shell’s technical network and manufacturing resources. There are also opportunities for funding, partnerships, and investment. Teams selected at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2–4 can receive up to INR 5,00,000 after Phase 2, with additional grants of up to INR 10,00,000 for proof-of-concept development after Phase 3.
The program spans eight months, from December 2025 to July 2026, structured in three phases. Phase 1 involves the selection of teams, followed by two intensive phases of around eight weeks each, incorporating workshops, feedback, and evaluations. Phase 2 requires participants to dedicate about 50% of their time, while Phase 3 requires approximately 35% of weekly time commitment. Pre-incubated research teams must incorporate a company by the end of Phase 2 to continue to Phase 3.
An Open House Webinar will be conducted on October 27th, from 4.00 to 5.30 pm, to walk prospective applicants through the program structure, expectations, and benefits, including a live Q&A session. Queries regarding the program can be directed to the Program Manager at GDC via phone or email.
Shell GameChanger provides early-stage energy technology startups with business support, mentorship, and non-dilutive seed funding while allowing them to maintain independence. GDC at IIT Madras catalyzes the lab-to-market transformation of research into deep-tech startups, having supported over 500 startup teams across India, with nearly 200 successfully launched ventures.
For more information, visit GDC.
