Avinya, the energy startup competition, aims to promote Indian startups in the energy sector. Anchored in the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the initiative aims to highlight innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability, and diversity.
Based on the overwhelming success of the last three editions, we are launching Avinya’27 this year with the objective of encouraging entrepreneurs, research enthusiasts, and students to develop innovative solutions and foster groundbreaking ideas & technologies that can shape the energy sector of the future.
As part of India Energy Week, participating startups will get an opportunity to showcase their solutions to industry leaders and policymakers at IEW’27, which is scheduled to be held in January 2027.
Themes for Challenges
Across hydrocarbon value chain - oil & gas (upstream, midstream, and downstream) and coal gasification
Alternative fuels - biofuels, green hydrogen, green ammonia etc.
Low carbon technology - CCUS, e-mobility, battery technology, energy storage etc.
Renewable energy - solar, hydro, wind, geothermal etc.
Functional areas in the energy sector: operations, HSE, digital technologies, AI, ML, trading, energy efficiency, capability building, sustainable financing, Industry 4.0 etc.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to citizens of India
Stage of startup: Ideation and Early-Stage (where early stage includes Bootstrapped/ Pre-seed/ Series A/Series B/Series C)
Startups should be DPIIT-recognized under the Startup India initiative.
Startups to have a maximum age of 10 years (as of 1st Jan’27) from the date of incorporation and turnover of less than INR100 crore
The startup’s solution should be related to the energy value chain as described under the identified themes
An entity formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business shall not be considered a Start-up
Why should you participate?
Fiscal Incentives
The top 3 winners of Avinya will receive cash prizes of INR 3 lakh, INR 2 lakh, INR 1 lakh respectively. The top 5 winners will receive air travel and accommodation support for participation in India Energy Week.
Non-Fiscal Incentives
Top 5 winners of Avinya will be rewarded with
Felicitation at the India Energy Week’27
Opportunity to showcase ideas at a designated exhibition space at the India Energy Week’27
Potential access to shared incubation workspace and lab, testing and prototyping infrastructure and fast-tracked procurement pathways
Facilitated introduction to curated investor cohorts
Mentorship and networking opportunities with industry leaders, incubators, and energy ecosystem experts
Potential opportunity to work on PoC and pilot projects (subject to interest from industry)
One special recognition under the Young Innovators category for student entrepreneurs from academic / research institutes
Top 10 startups will be provided with
Certificates of recognition
Enhanced visibility and discoverability through FIPI platforms, including its website, journal, newsletters, and other relevant communication channels
Interaction with a high-profile jury comprising VCs, industry stalwarts, energy experts, and incubator leaders, along with mentorship opportunities
How to participate in the Challenge
Applications for Avinya’27 can be submitted through either of the following platforms:
Innovate India: innovateindia.mygov.in
Startup India: www.startupindia.gov.in
Applicants must register and submit their application through only one of the two platforms. Multiple submissions across platforms should be avoided.
Procedure Post Submission
Applications for Avinya'27 will close on 15th September 11:59 PM IST. The startup competition will take place over two rounds, detailed as follows:
Round 1: All applications will be screened based on set evaluation-criteria. The top 10 applications will be selected for the pitch round.
Round 2: The top 10 selected applications from Round 1 will present their business case to esteemed Jury members, based on which top 5 winners will be selected.
The felicitation ceremony will be held at India Energy Week 2027 in the presence of Global Energy Leaders.
Contact Information
Organization Name - Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI)
Person In Charge - Mr. Karan Karwal (Senior Assistant Director, FIPI)
Support Email ID - karan@fipi.org.in
Email of Recipient - energystartupchallenge@gmail.com
FAQs
My idea is incomplete; it is still just a concept note. Can I still apply?
Yes, the Avinya Energy Startup Challenge welcomes applications even if your idea is in the concept note stage. It's an opportunity to showcase your vision and potential to contribute to the energy sector.
I have additional questions that have not been answered, who can I connect with?
For any additional questions or clarifications, please connect with the organizers or the designated contact person. You can write an email to energystartupchallenge@gmail.com. You will be provided with the necessary information and guidance.
What happens if I submit an incomplete application? Can I withdraw/edit the application?
It's recommended to submit a complete application to enable effective evaluation. However, if you've submitted an incomplete application, please reach out to the organizers for further guidance.
Terms and conditions
Entries must be submitted through either the MyGov Innovate India portal or the Startup India portal. Participants must submit their application through only one platform.
Participants must adhere to all deadlines. Late / incomplete entries are liability for disqualification
Each participant may submit only one entry. In case of multiple submissions, all additional entries may be rejected.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions, awards, funding, selection process and timelines of the Challenge at its discretion. Any material changes will be communicated through the appropriate channels.
The organizers will not be responsible for entries that are lost, delayed, incomplete, or not received due to technical or transmission issues beyond their reasonable control. Proof of submission will not constitute proof of receipt.
If a selected winner cannot be contacted within three working days of the announcement of results, the prize may be forfeited, and another winner may be selected in accordance with the evaluation and selection process.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the organizers reserve the right to amend, suspend, postpone or withdraw the Challenge, including these Terms and Conditions.
Correspondence
All correspondence with participants will be sent to the email address provided at the time of submitting the application.
Participants are responsible for providing a valid and active email address and regularly checking their inbox, including spam or junk folders. The organizers will not be responsible for any failure or delay in email delivery arising from circumstances beyond their reasonable control.
Disclaimer
MoPNG reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, suspend or modify the Challenge, including its rules, prizes, funding, timelines and selection process.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, MoPNG, MyGov, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the other organizers will not be liable for any claims, losses, costs, expenses or damages arising from, or in connection with, participation in the Challenge or any modification, suspension or cancellation thereof.
For further information or queries related to the challenge, please write to: energystartupchallenge[at]gmail[dot]com
