In a significant move to address India’s economic and environmental challenges, NITI Aayog, in partnership with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, has announced the launch of the NITI GearShift Challenge as part of the e-FAST India initiative. This pioneering hackathon aims to foster innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India.
The NITI GearShift Challenge is designed to engage students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers in developing business models that tackle financial, technical, and operational challenges associated with the adoption of electric trucks. The initiative has garnered strong participation from e-FAST India knowledge partners, financial institutions, and industry forums.
The hackathon will unfold in two competitive rounds. In the first round, teams will submit their initial business models addressing a specific barrier—technical, operational, or financial—supported by high-level strategies and research. Shortlisted teams will move to the second round, where they will present detailed business models complete with an implementation roadmap, bolstered by both primary and secondary research. Industry leaders will mentor these teams to ensure the development of practical and impactful solutions.
The freight sector is crucial to India’s economy, ensuring the delivery of goods to over 1.4 billion people. Currently, road freight accounts for an astounding 55% of India’s annual diesel consumption and nearly 40% of CO2 emissions from road transport. This underscores the urgent need to transition to more sustainable solutions. The electrification of freight transportation is identified as a key priority, as electric trucks present a transformative opportunity to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security.
The GearShift Challenge marks a pivotal step towards sustainable freight transportation in India. By leveraging the creativity and expertise of participants, the hackathon aims to generate practical solutions that will accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks, thereby delivering substantial benefits to both the economy and the environment.
This initiative not only aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also supports the global push towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions. The outcomes of the NITI GearShift Challenge are expected to significantly contribute to the country’s efforts in combating climate change and promoting economic resilience.
