Shell has officially launched the GameChanger Sustainability Call for Solutions 2025, a global competition that brings together start-ups, incubators, accelerators, and innovators to co-create digital solutions for a more sustainable and resilient world. Announced at the Future Digital Twin and AI Conference in Amsterdam, this call for solutions highlights Shell’s ongoing commitment to embedding digital technologies across operations to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability performance.

From AI-powered biodiversity monitoring to digital twins optimizing waste streams, Shell sees digital innovation as a key enabler of smarter, faster, and more inclusive sustainability strategies. Through this initiative, start-ups are invited to collaborate with Shell in addressing pressing ecological and circularity challenges, with the opportunity to secure funding and build long-term partnerships.

About Shell GameChanger

Launched in 1996, Shell GameChanger has been a driving force in building an open and connected global start-up ecosystem. Its mission is to support early-stage (energy-related) technologies and innovative solutions by:

• Fostering collaboration between start-ups and Shell experts

• Supporting unproven, early-stage ideas with strong potential

• Providing non-diluting seed funding to allow start-ups to remain independent

• Creating opportunities for global partnerships and knowledge exchange

Over the years, Shell GameChanger has partnered with start-ups, research institutions, and accelerator programmes, contributing to transformative ideas that shape the future of energy.

Focus Areas for 2025

The Shell GameChanger Sustainability Call for Solutions 2025 is centered around two globally relevant themes:

1. Ecological Cycle

   • Assessment and aggregation of sustainability risks

   • Biodiversity measurement, monitoring, and verification

2. Circularity

   • Data integration and interpretation for internal waste streams

   • Waste reuse optimization

Start-ups are encouraged to propose innovative digital solutions to these problem statements, showcasing how their ideas can reduce negative environmental impacts while creating positive outcomes for society and the planet.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed using the Shell GameChanger criteria, which include:

• Novel: Is the idea fundamentally different and unproven?

• Valuable: Could the idea create substantial new value if it works?

• Doable: Is there a clear and affordable plan to prove the concept?

• Relevant: Is the idea aligned with the future of energy?

• Scalable: Can the solution be scaled effectively if proven?

Competition Format

The competition will progress through the following stages:

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

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

3. Final Selection – Three winners will be chosen to collaborate with Shell.

Eligibility

The competition is open to registered start-ups that meet the following requirements:

• At least two team members

• Solutions with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 2 and 5

Timeline

• Launch of the Call for Solutions: 4 September 2025

• Submissions Open: 4 September 2025

• Submissions Close: 4 November 2025

• Pitching of Shortlisted Start-ups: 25 November – 5 December 2025

• Final Selection: 5 – 10 December 2025

• Presentation of Finalists to Jury: 15 – 20 December 2025

Grant and Collaboration Opportunity

At the conclusion of the competition, Shell or its affiliates may award up to three winners with the opportunity to collaborate on a Proof of Concept (PoC).

• Grant Amount: Up to USD 50,000 per winner

• Winners: Three winners (one for each problem statement)

• Collaboration Goal: Develop and scale solutions in partnership with Shell experts

This initiative emphasizes Shell’s belief in the power of partnerships, innovation, and collaboration to address sustainability challenges while driving progress in the energy sector.

Why Apply?

By participating in the Shell GameChanger Sustainability Call for Solutions 2025, start-ups gain access to:

• Non-diluting seed funding (up to $50,000 per winner)

• Expertise and mentorship from Shell professionals

• A platform to scale their solutions globally

• Opportunities to collaborate on sustainability challenges with a global energy leader

How to Apply

Start-ups interested in participating can submit their proposals via the official Shell Global website.

👉 Apply here: Shell GameChanger Sustainability Call for Solutions 2025

Conclusion

The Shell GameChanger Sustainability Call for Solutions 2025 is more than just a competition—it is a platform for innovators around the world to join forces in tackling ecological and circularity challenges through cutting-edge digital technologies. With funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to co-develop solutions with Shell, this initiative paves the way for a more sustainable and digitally empowered future.

For more Information and Applications:

Visit HERE

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