Transition VC and IEEE sign MoU to launch Net Zero Warriors initiative

Energy transition-focused VC Fund, Transition VC has collaborated with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), to launch the Net Zero Warrior initiative, under which they will empower startups to provide deep-tech solutions across transitioning sectors.

The two organisations signed an MoU in Bengaluru on July 13.

Net Zero Warriors sets out to address the dual concern of environmental preservation and economic growth, in keeping with India’s energy security requirements. India’s economic trajectory necessitates a threefold increase in per capita primary energy consumption by 2047. Therefore, decarbonisation becomes imperative, given India’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2070.

Through Net Zero Warriors, Transition VC and IEEE have set up an indicative roadmap for four key stakeholders: engineering students, startups, MSME Industry, and the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA). The initiative will increase awareness of deep-tech opportunities and motivate young engineers and entrepreneurs to take up a variety of innovation challenges, with clear scalable commercialisation objectives.

It will help inventive solutions and entrepreneurs through capital support and access to sector expertise and mentorship. In addition, it will also enable the existing engineering businesses to diversify their conventional portfolio with opportunities in deep technologies including AI, data analytics, robotics, blockchain, computational intelligence, and cognitive computing, among others.

Net Zero Warriors aims to foster a platform where all the stakeholders in India’s energy transition journey can contribute towards the development of new standards/regulations, as well as provide key policy recommendations.

Mustafa Wajid, cofounder and general partner of Transition VC said in a statement, “The battles against climate change are many. The Net Zero Warriors program is focused on enabling young engineers, professionals, academicians, startups, entrepreneurs, investors to participate in such battles and create large value.”

The initiative will capitalise on Transition VC’s energy transition-specific capabilities and competencies, and IEEE’s presence across the global engineering community, academia, and its industry connections.