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GBA Launches Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship to Boost Research and Biofuel Adoption

The GBA’s fellowship programme was launched to address critical challenges facing the biofuels industry by supporting applied research and building a pipeline of future leaders in the sector.

June 23, 2026. By Abha Rustagi

The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), a coalition of 34 countries and 14 international organisations, will host the inaugural Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship (GBCF) Award Ceremony in New Delhi on June 30, aiming to strengthen research, innovation and global collaboration in the biofuels sector.

The hybrid event, to be held at Juniper Hall in the India Habitat Centre and streamed globally, will bring together policymakers, diplomats, industry executives, researchers and academic institutions as countries seek to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.

A key feature of the ceremony will be the induction of 15 early-career researchers selected through a competitive evaluation process overseen by an international jury and mentoring panel. The fellows will receive research grants of up to USD 15,000 each and will serve as ambassadors of the Global Biofuels Alliance for two years, promoting biofuel adoption and innovation worldwide.

The fellowship programme was launched to address critical challenges facing the biofuels industry by supporting applied research and building a pipeline of future leaders in the sector.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Interim Director General of the GBA and Secretary of India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is expected to deliver the keynote address as guest of honour. He will outline the alliance's progress and priorities in advancing bioenergy and fostering international cooperation, according to the organisers.

Diplomatic representatives from several countries have confirmed their participation, underscoring growing international interest in biofuels as governments pursue energy security, emissions reduction and sustainable development goals.

The event will also feature a discussion titled "The Flex-Fuel Horizon: Scaling Blending Mandates through Collaborative Global Research," where industry and technical experts will examine strategies for expanding biofuel blending programmes and advancing flex-fuel technologies.

Selected fellows will present brief overviews of their research projects during a segment titled "Voices of the Champions," highlighting practical solutions to support industry growth and address challenges across the biofuel value chain.

The formal proceedings will begin at 4:00 p.m. IST with a presentation on the alliance's development and its role in supporting member countries' bioenergy ambitions. An awards presentation will follow before the event transitions into a networking session for diplomats, industry representatives and institutional partners.

Founded to promote the adoption of sustainable biofuels and strengthen international collaboration, the GBA has emerged as a key platform for advancing policy dialogue, research and investment in the sector as countries seek alternatives to fossil fuels and pathways to lower-carbon growth.

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