The New Energy Challenge is a start-up competition, jointly organized by Shell, Rockstart, YES!Delft and Get in the Ring. The competition is designed for entrepreneurs in Europe and Israel who are developing advanced technologies and disruptive solutions that could be vital in accelerating the energy transition.

Collaborations between start-ups and industry leaders create the opportunity to fast-track the development and introduction of breakthrough technologies. In order to challenge the status quo and bring innovation forward, the New Energy Challenge calls for European and Israeli start-ups and scale-ups to come forward and propose game-changing solutions that will shape the low-carbon energy infrastructure of the future.

The New Energy Challenge consists of two distinct tracks: a track for start-ups in TRL 2-5 stage, up until and including seed stage and a track for scale-ups in TRL 6-9 stage with early revenues, market validation by pilot(s), Series A and higher.

Track 1 – Start-ups

Track One offers early-stage start-ups an intensive programme designed by YES!Delft for finalists to validate their business plans and exchange ideas with coaches and experts. The winning finalist will receive €100.000 towards a proof of concept within the Shell GameChanger programme, giving them a quick and cost-effective way to test the technical and commercial viability of their solution.

Track 2 – Scale-ups

Track Two offers scale-ups the opportunity to engage with experts from Rockstart and exchange knowledge and ideas as well the opportunity to design a pilot proposal. The winner will further develop and potentially execute the pilot, together with Shell Ventures and Shell’s Hydrogen, New Fuels or Chemicals business.

Criteria to join the programme

• Start-ups must be in TRL 2-5 stage, up until and including seed stage.
• Scale-ups must be in TRL 6-9 stage with early revenues, market validation by pilot(s), Series A and higher.
• Have a solution that is focused on the transition to a sustainable energy future, with an explanation on how Shell connects to this solution.
• Have a unique scalable product or service.
• Be a registered company in Europe or Israel (equivalent to the Dutch B.V. (eg UK – Ltd., Germany – GmbH).
• Have at least 2 founders.

Sign up from 14 April until 22 May 2020.