NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, has announced the launch of the NITI GearShift Challenge.
This pioneering hackathon is part of the e-FAST India initiative and aims to develop innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing significant economic and environmental challenges.
Hackathon Overview:
The NITI GearShift Challenge seeks to engage a diverse group of participants, including students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers.
The goal is to create business models that effectively tackle the financial, technical, and operational barriers to the adoption of electric trucks.
The initiative has already attracted participation from various e-FAST India knowledge partners, financial institutions, and industry forums.
Competition Structure:
The hackathon will be conducted in two rounds:
- Round 1: Teams will submit initial business models that address a specific barrier—technical, operational, or financial. These submissions should be supported by high-level strategies and research. The deadline for this round is July 20, 2024.
- Round 2: Shortlisted teams will advance to this round, where they will present detailed business models with an implementation roadmap. These proposals will be supported by both primary and secondary research and will receive mentorship from industry leaders to ensure the solutions are practical and impactful. The final presentations are due by August 15, 2024.
Importance of Sustainable Freight:
India’s freight sector plays a crucial role in the national economy, facilitating the delivery of goods to over 1.4 billion people.
However, with road freight accounting for 55% of India’s annual diesel consumption and nearly 40% of CO2 emissions from road transport, there is an urgent need to transition to more sustainable solutions.
Electrifying freight transportation is a top priority, as electric trucks have the potential to significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security.
Expected Outcomes:
The GearShift Challenge is a pivotal initiative towards sustainable freight transportation in India.
By leveraging the creativity and expertise of participants, the hackathon aims to produce actionable solutions that will drive the adoption of zero-emission trucks.
This will not only benefit the environment but also support economic growth by reducing dependency on diesel and fostering innovation in the transport sector.
