Industrial Energy Innovation Programme
A leading organisation in steam engineering and energy solutions in partnership with CII Centre of Excellence for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Startups (CII CIES), invites startups to apply for an open innovation programme focused on industrial energy transformation.
Last date to apply: 29th Aug 2025
As a leader in steam engineering and energy solutions, the Corporate is committed to driving industrial sustainability through innovation. This programme is part of their ongoing efforts to explore next-generation technologies that enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and optimize resource utilization across industries.
Selected startups will get an opportunity to co-develop and pilot solutions with the Corporate's R&D and industrial teams, access plant-level data and infrastructure, and contribute to real-world decarbonization and energy efficiency goals in manufacturing.
Focus Area
Energy from Industrial Wastewater
Solutions that convert industrial wastewater into usable forms of energy, such as electricity, steam, or chemical fuels (e.g., hydrogen, ethanol), while reducing waste load. The goal is to integrate energy recovery systems with existing effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and make the process economically viable, sustainable, and scalable.
Solutions that convert industrial wastewater into usable forms of energy, such as electricity, steam, or chemical fuels (e.g., hydrogen, ethanol), while reducing waste load. The goal is to integrate energy recovery systems with existing effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and make the process economically viable, sustainable, and scalable.
Thermal Energy Storage (TES)
for Energy Efficiency Optimization
Steam-based processes are core to many industries, yet significant energy is lost during off-peak hours or due to fluctuating steam demand. This challenge is focused on identifying compact, modular TES systems capable of storing excess steam or industrial waste heat and discharging thermal energy between 150°C and 250°C. Preferred technologies include phase change materials (PCM), thermochemical storage (TCM), or advanced sensible heat systems.
for Energy Efficiency Optimization
Steam-based processes are core to many industries, yet significant energy is lost during off-peak hours or due to fluctuating steam demand. This challenge is focused on identifying compact, modular TES systems capable of storing excess steam or industrial waste heat and discharging thermal energy between 150°C and 250°C. Preferred technologies include phase change materials (PCM), thermochemical storage (TCM), or advanced sensible heat systems.
Why Apply?
- Real-world pilot opportunity with the Corporate
- Access to plant data, technical mentorship, and domain expertise
- Potential for long-term commercial collaboration
- Support in industrial validation, benchmarking, and decarbonization impact
FAQs
Is there a fee to participate?
No, there is no fee to apply or participate.
What is the selection process?
The selection process will involve:
- Application Review: Initial screening based on problem-solution fit and technical readiness.
- Shortlisting: Selected startups will be invited to pitch to the Corporate and CII CIES panel.
- Technical Evaluation: Deep-dive sessions with the R&D team to assess feasibility and potential for pilot integration.
- Final Selection: Chosen startups will move into the pilot co-development and implementation phase post the Demo Day.
Who should apply?
- Startups working in thermal energy storage, waste heat recovery, bioenergy, wastewater valorization, PCM/TCM systems
- Ability to pilot within 6–12 months
- Teams with strong domain knowledge or academic-industry collaborations
Expectation from startups?
- Develop and demonstrate a working pilot solution
- Work collaboratively with the Corporate's R&D team
- Share learnings and results during final showcase
For more information, please write to:
Ms Vaishnavi Reddy
vaishnavi.reddy@cii.in
vaishnavi.reddy@cii.in
