Shell GameChanger Sustainability Call For Solutions 2025

Shell GameChanger

Shell GameChanger exists to foster collaboration between start-ups with early stage (energy-related) technologies and solutions, and experts within Shell, working on unproven early-stage ideas.

Through the GameChanger Programme, we release specific business-inspired Calls for Solutions. Selected companies will gain business support, access to the expertise in Shell, and non-diluting seed funding. Start-ups keep the independence to make their own business.

We believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration. Since its establishment in 1996, Shell GameChanger has contributed to an open and connected global start-up ecosystem, working with start-ups, research institutions and accelerator programmes.

Competition Format

Shell GameChanger Sustainability Call for Solutions 2025 offers a platform for start-ups to further progress their innovation, leveraging Shell's experience in sustainability and digital technologies and benefiting from Shell’s role in the energy innovation ecosystem.

This competition invites start-ups from around the globe to present their cutting-edge digital solutions that may address specific challenges in the following two globally relevant topics:

A) Ecological cycle

B) Circularity

Start-ups can submit proposals for their innovative solutions for any of the described problem statements, articulating how their proposed solutions can address the selected topic, along with meeting the key requirements indicated below.

Proposals will be evaluated using the Shell GameChanger criteria:

1. Novel – Is the idea fundamentally different and unproven?
2. Valuable – Could the idea create substantial new value if it works?
3. Doable – Is there a plan to prove the concept quickly and affordably?
4. Relevant – Is the idea relevant to the future of energy?
5. Scalability – If your solution is proven, how scalable is it?

Competition Stages

1. Jury Evaluation (Virtual): Submissions will be reviewed to shortlist the top start-ups.

2. Final Pitch (Virtual): Shortlisted start-ups will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of Shell experts.

Eligibility

The competition is open to registered start-ups with at least two team members and solutions with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-5.

Timeline

Grant

Subject to the competition’s rules, after the competition ends, Shell or any of its affiliates has the sole discretion to award each winning start-up with an opportunity to collaborate with Shell to develop a proof of concept (PoC), with the organiser’s contribution being up to fifty thousand USD ($50,000) per winner.

A total of 3 winners will be selected (one for each problem statement), which will have the opportunity to work on a PoC.

The problem statements are:

1. Ecological cycle - Assessment and aggregation of sustainability risks
2. Ecological cycle - Biodiversity measurement, monitoring and verification
3. Circularity - Data integration and interpretation for internal waste streams and waste reuse optimization