IIT Madras, Chevron partner to introduce energy technology incubation programme for innovators

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Chevron ENGINE (Engineering and Innovation Excellence Center) have launched the Chevron-IITM Energy Technology Incubation programme, which will support innovators, researchers, social entrepreneurs and student teams who are working on challenges in the energy sector.

Speaking about the new initiative, Akshay Sahni, Country Head, Chevron India, said, “By combining technical mentorship, entrepreneurial support and applied industry perspective, we hope to help build future-ready talent and advance ideas that can contribute to affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy.”

This new initiative is a key part of Chevron UDAAN, and the programme will focus on areas including energy infrastructure, carbon utilisation, circular economy and resource efficiency. Whichever participant is selected will get support through the IIT Madras innovation for prototype development, business model validation, grants, mentorship and market readiness.

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IIT Madras supports energy technology innovators

As part of the initiative, Chevron will offer industry expertise, technical mentorship and opportunities for its employees to get a chance to interact with innovators. IIT Madras will share access to its research, innovation and incubation ecosystem.

Talking about the significance of the partnership with Chevron, Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said, “Through the Chevron-IITM Energy Technology Incubation program, we hope to collaboratively provide innovators with access to mentorship, technical expertise and a strong innovation ecosystem to help translate promising ideas into practical solutions.”

The programme will help selected teams develop and test their technologies and work towards taking promising solutions to the market. It will also give student teams and early-stage entrepreneurs opportunities to engage with industry and research experts.

By sharing technical guidance, business support and practical industry knowledge, the IIT Madras Chevron ENGINE programme will help students and innovators develop useful skills for creating affordable, reliable and cleaner energy solutions.