Startups & Talent

The Startup & Talent Challenges Vasudha, Avinya and the Hackathon Challenge form a cornerstone of India Energy Week, showcasing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers shaping the future of energy. Vasudha champions sustainability-driven startups pioneering climate-conscious solutions, while Avinya provides a launchpad for visionary entrepreneurs introducing transformative technologies and business models. The Hackathon Challenge energises young talent, coders and developers to collaborate in solving real-world industry challenges through technology-led innovation. Together, these initiatives not only celebrate creativity and bold ideas, but also provide participants with a unique opportunity to gain visibility on a global stage, connect with policymakers and industry leaders, and accelerate their journey from concept to impactful change at India Energy Week.

Vasudha Overseas Startup Challenge

The Vasudha Overseas Startup Challenge is a premier platform designed to spotlight the most innovative startups shaping the future of the oil & gas upstream sector. As part of India Energy Week 2026, this challenge brings together global pioneers who are redefining energy with bold ideas, disruptive technologies and scalable solutions.

Avinya Challenge

Avinya – The Energy Startup Challenge, launched in IEW 2024 to identify and support high-potential Indian startups in the energy sector. In its second edition at IEW 2025, Avinya received 173 applications, out of which 9 startups were shortlisted for the final pitch round. From these, 3 winners and 2 honourable mentions were selected by a distinguished Jury. A Curtain Raiser event was organized in January 2025 to showcase the shortlisted startups, when Hon’ble Petroleum Minister announced the name of the winners. The winners were felicitated by Hon’ble Minister in IEW 2025 valedictory function.

Hackathon Challenge

In line with the Hackathon Challenge during IEW 2025, this time in IEW 2026, FIPI is inviting ten premier IITs and IIT-equivalent institutes—Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Guwahati, Roorkee, Kharagpur, ISM Dhanbad, IIT-Kanpur, RGIPT and IIPE, Visakhapatnam (new additions in IEW 2026)—to outline the objective and structure of a hackathon aimed at “Empowering Innovation in the Energy Sector,” addressing critical energy sector challenges. Each IIT selected its best team to compete in the areas. This initiative fosters collaboration between academia and industry, promoting sustainable solutions and innovation in energy.

R&D Challenge of FIPI Student Chapters

FIPI is organising an R&D Project competition among its 12 Student Chapters. Based on their applications, an eminent Jury shall select the top 4 R&D projects which will be showcased in IEW 2026.

Youth Expo Tour

About 500 students from various institutes of Goa shall be invited for first-hand experience of this world class event. ONGC will organise and bear all the logistics cost in this regard. Students and teachers will have exposure to latest technological advancement in various energy sector including renewables, green hydrogen etc. This initiative aims to provide local students with valuable insights into India's energy transition and leadership in sustainable energy solutions.

National institute connect

Around 300 students undergoing professional degrees at reputed national institutes across India are to be invited to participate in the IEW Conference and Exhibition. The target students are those pursuing graduation or post-graduation in various fields of Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, Business Management, Environmental Management, Finance Management, Information Technology and Renewable Energy etc. M/s IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, OIL, GAIL and EIL are to arrange a minimum of 50 students each under this programme, covering all expenses, which will include travel arrangements, Boarding-Lodging, local transport, and delegate registration fee to have access to all Technical Sessions throughout the four days of the event.

FIPI Student Chapter connect

FIPI has 12 Student Chapters across the country. FIPI invites 2 students and 1 Faculty member from each of the FIPI Student Chapters to attend the Technical Sessions and Exhibition. FIPI sponsors all the costs including lodging, boarding and transportation.

In addition, FIPI also waives off registration fees for technical sessions for interested other students and faculties.

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