NITI Aayog launches GearShift challenge

New Delhi: NITI Aayog, on Sunday, announced the launch of the GearShift challenge as part of the e-FAST India initiative.

The hackathon is in collaboration with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India.

It “will help foster innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, and also address the nation's pressing economic and environmental challenges,” NITI Aayog said.

As part of the hackathon, students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers will develop innovative business models that address financial, technical, and operational challenges in the adoption of electric trucks.

In the first round, teams will submit their initial business models addressing a specific barrier -- technical, operational, or financial -- that is supported by high-level strategies and research.

Those shortlisted will then present detailed business models with an implementation roadmap, backed by both primary and secondary research.

The proposals will be mentored by industry leaders to ensure practical and impactful solutions, NITI Aayog said.