CHENNAI: Chevron ENGINE (Engineering and Innovation Excellence Center) and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have launched the Chevron-IITM Energy Technology Incubation program, an initiative designed to support innovators, student teams, individuals, researchers and social entrepreneurs working to address important energy challenges.

The program will support early-stage innovators, researchers and social entrepreneurs working in area of Technology-led solutions, Energy infrastructure solutions, carbon utilization interventions and circular economy, resource efficiency solutions for the energy sector.

Through IIT Madras' innovation ecosystem, selected teams will receive tailored support based on their stage of development, from prototype and business model validation to incubation, grant, mentorship, and market readiness.

The programme reflects a shared commitment to supporting innovation and helping develop the next generation of entrepreneurs and technology leaders while addressing important energy challenges.

Dr. Akshay Sahni, Country Head, Chevron India, said, “This new initiative is a key part of Chevron UDAAN, our community partnership portfolio, set with the intent to help opportunities take flight. Chevron ENGINE brings together India’s deep engineering and technology talent with Chevron’s global resources and expertise to help address current and future energy challenges. Through this partnership with IIT Madras, we are extending that idea into India’s innovation ecosystem by supporting student teams, researchers and social entrepreneurs developing practical solutions for the energy sector. 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.”

Speaking on the significance of the partnership with Chevron, Prof 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. Partnerships such as this are instrumental in advancing our vision of harnessing technology and innovation to address real-world energy challenges.”

As part of the programme, Chevron will contribute industry expertise, technical mentorship, employee volunteering and opportunities for engagement with innovators. IIT Madras will provide access to its established research, innovation and incubation ecosystem, creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to develop, test and scale promising energy technologies.

The launch of the program builds on Chevron's ongoing engagement with IIT Madras and reflects the company's commitment to supporting innovation, education and capacity building through strategic community partnerships (taking your views if we should keep this component, since the consortium is a Business engagement). Together, Chevron and IIT Madras aim to strengthen India's innovation ecosystem and support the development of future energy technology leaders.

ABOUT CHEVRON ENGINE

Chevron ENGINE (Engineering and Innovation Excellence Center) is Chevron's integrated engineering, technology and innovation center in India. The center brings together technical and professional talent to support Chevron's global operations.