Chevron ENGINE and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have launched an energy technology incubation programme for startups. Announced on September 25, the Chevron-IITM Energy Technology Incubation Program will back early-stage innovators, researchers and social entrepreneurs working on technology-led solutions for the energy sector.

The focus areas include energy technologies and infrastructure, carbon utilisation, the circular economy and resource efficiency. Selected teams will get pre-incubation support, technical mentorship, prototype funding and entrepreneurship guidance through IIT Madras’s research and incubation ecosystem, according to the announcement.

Chevron will contribute industry expertise, employee volunteering and opportunities to engage with innovators. ‘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,’ said Akshay Sahni, Country Head, Chevron India.

A linked call, the Tech Pioneer Grant 2026 Energy Catalyst, offers a funding pool of Rs 70 lakh across eight teams, with applications closing on September 28. Why it matters: pairing a global energy major’s know-how with an academic incubator gives young energy ventures a faster route from lab to market.