ESOI coordinates structured research collaboration to strengthen India’s energy innovation ecosystem and reduce the gap between discovery and deployment. It builds consortia that connect universities, national laboratories, startups, utilities, manufacturers, and public institutions around clearly defined technical problems; such as next-generation PV, storage chemistry, hydrogen value chains, grid digitalisation, industrial efficiency, and advanced nuclear or thorium systems.

A core instrument is the design and execution of innovation challenges, including national competitions for startups and research teams solving priority energy problems, aligned with Make in India and Start-up India. ESOI also enables collaborative R&D grants and joint work programmes between academia and industry, with clear governance, milestones, and pathways for piloting and adoption. Where required, ESOI supports shared infrastructure, data portals for modelling and benchmarking, testbeds for grid and storage applications, and shared labs such as materials characterisation and performance validation facilities.

By convening public and private research communities, ESOI improves coordination, avoids duplication, and strengthens the quality of evidence that supports policy and investment. The outcome is a faster translation of laboratory breakthroughs into bankable projects, scalable manufacturing, and real-world solutions that advance Viksit Bharat@2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat.