New Energy Challenge

The competition for start-ups and scale-ups in the energy industry. Compete for opportunities to receive support, potential funding and expert guidance for your energy innovation.

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The competition for start-ups and scale-ups in the energy industry

Jointly organised by Shell Ventures and Shell GameChanger and Energy Tech Summit, Rockstart, Unknown Campus and YES!Delft, the New Energy Challenge offers a platform for cutting-edge innovators to develop emerging technologies that promote sustainability and shape the future of the energy sector at scale.

Finalists will join a variety of training sessions during an exciting accelerator programme. They will work with investors and experts during the final phase of the challenge, unlocking knowledge, contacts, and support needed to develop their company and product. The winning companies may be awarded a collaboration or funding to further scale their business.

2026 Edition

What are we looking for in 2026?

The New Energy Challenge 2026 is seeking technologies and digital solutions that will contribute to the decarbonisation and de-fossilisation of energy operations. We are interested in scalable, efficient solutions that integrate into existing infrastructure and drive advancements in the following areas:

High-integrity biochar carbon removal

Innovations to scale biochar carbon removal with confidence and market impact.

Low carbon fuels

Solutions that can help improve cost competitiveness, lower carbon intensity, secure sustainable non-food feedstocks, and unlock greater value across the biofuel value chain.

Water treatment

Innovative, scalable water technologies to enhance water security, reduce costs, enable reuse, and comply with evolving regulations.

Shipping and maritime

Practical, scalable solutions for the maritime sector to reduce emissions, enhance safety, and adapt to future fuels while managing costs and operational complexity.

Datacentres and grid-ready flexibility

Innovative (digital) solutions that help enable datacentres to demonstrate, validate and monetise grid flexibility.

Learn more about the technologies we are looking for

News

After winning the NEC, Shell became both an investor and a client. This relationship is still strong, and that started with winning the challenge.
Asperitas, The Netherlands
Our goal is to produce hundreds of tonnes of low-cost clean ammonia within five years, to help decarbonise energy, fertilisers and mobility and we hope to do that with Shell. The hard work starts now, and we are excited to create impact together.
Ammobia, USA
Being able to reference Shell’s financial support in this technology has helped us build credibility with stakeholders and potential investors.
RFC Power, UK
Specialists in the Shell Research and Development organisation helped us shape our commercial strategy and develop collaboration and investment targets.
Conovate, USA
The programme helped us put together the information required to open the door with OEMs, stressing the importance of things like validation, certification and independent safety checks. It also gave us a better understanding of the market and other applications.
Finno Exergy, Finland

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