Udbhav: Unleashing the Inhouse potential for AI Revolution in ONGC
This event commenced on February 11, 2025, with an open call inviting employees across ONGC to submit real problems solvable through AI.
A total of 591 use cases were submitted which were evaluated for next 41 days in 1-on-1 sessions.
Following this, 27 use cases were shortlisted to form the inaugural Batch 1 of Udbhav’25.
How were the Most Impactful Ideas selected
The selection of Batch 1 Use Cases was done by ONGC’s management through a structured process, focused on identifying ideas with clear business value and high implementation potential within the limited timeframe.
- Each idea had to be implementable within 3 months.
- It needed to align with ONGC’s KPIs—safety, environment, sustainability, cost reduction, or revenue growth.
- The business use case had to be specific, even if small, and operationally relevant.
During this process, few teams were restructured, either due to a lack of required domain expertise or overlapping submissions. These combinations allowed for the formation of stronger, multi-skilled teams equipped for successful execution.
The above process resulted in identification of twenty seven (27) use case ideas for Batch 1 of Udbhav 2025.
(Another 20+ use case ideas in Batch 2 of Udbhav 2025 are being reviewed)
Innovation Without Boundaries: 13 Departments, One Unified Vision
The 27 selected use cases in Batch 1 are not confined to a single domain or vertical. They span across 13 functions, capturing ONGC’s multidisciplinary approach to innovation. These ideas reflect real, on-ground challenges and opportunities observed by the teams who face them daily.
The Artificial Lift, Drilling, Finance, and Reservoir teams led the way with three use cases each—ranging from lift optimization and drilling fluid monitoring to financial forecasting and enhanced oil recovery.
HR contributed two ideas focused on digitizing internal workflows and service requests.
Other departments including Petrophysics, Logistics, Procurement, Maintenance, Well Services, Seismic, Production, and Business Process Automation added focused, functional innovations tied closely to operational goals.
This broad departmental mix reinforces that innovation at ONGC is not siloed—it’s embedded across the organization.
Figure 1: Distribution of 27 UDBHAV use cases across ONGC departments.
This widespread involvement proves that ONGC’s innovation potential isn’t isolated to one department or function—it’s a result of collective intelligence, shared purpose, and cross-functional energy.
Shortlisted Use Cases: Batch 1 at a Glance
27 use cases selected for execution as part of UDBHAV Batch 1 are -
Note: Serial numbers are for reference only and do not indicate ranking.
Projecting the Impact: What These Ideas Could Deliver
The selected use cases from UDBHAV Batch 1are high-value, execution-ready solutions with measurable business impact.
Based on individual team’s estimates, these ideas are projected to generate an annual business value of approximately ₹2,200 to ₹2,900 crore, driven by improved production, cost savings, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making. Over a five-year horizon, the cumulative impact is expected to fall within the range of ₹11,000 to ₹14,600 crore.
Isn't it huge? We hope so!
This projected value reflects a mix of efficiency gains, smarter workflows, and tangible business outcomes—demonstrating how employee-led innovation can translate into enterprise-level impact.
Didn’t Make It This Time? Don’t Worry — Every Idea Counts
Didn’t make it to Batch 1? Don’t worry, this is just the beginning. UDBHAV is not a one-time initiative. It is built on the belief that every idea counts. Even if your submission wasn’t selected this time, it still adds value to ONGC’s collective thinking. With Batch 2 (and beyond) already in consideration, this innovation journey is far from over.
So stay tuned, stay engaged, and keep those ideas coming. The next breakthrough could be yours
What’s Next for UDBHAV: From Execution to Showcase
With the 27 use cases selected, UDBHAV Batch 1 has now entered its most exciting phase—execution.
Some of the ideas are already in development, while others are in the hands of teams actively building and refining their solutions. Each team is supported with hand holding from OEM and its partners with the resources needed to bring their idea to life.
All of this will be showcased at the upcoming Demo Day—a grand event where these shortlisted teams will present their working solutions, demonstrate real-world impact, and compete to be recognized as standout innovators within ONGC. So whether you're part of a team, a supporter, or a curious observer, keep your eyes on Demo Day. Because this is where the ideas take the stage.
Demo Day isn’t just a showcase—it’s a celebration of how ideas become action
Stay curious. Stay connected. Demo Day is coming