New Energy Challenge
Accelerator, Incubator, FellowshipActiveThe New Energy Challenge (NEC) is an annual open innovation competition for start-ups and scale-ups in the energy sector, now in its 11th edition (2026). Jointly organised by Shell Ventures, Shell GameChanger, Rockstart, YES!Delft, Unknown Group, and Energy Tech Summit, the NEC connects global energy innovators with investors and industry experts. Applications are open globally; up to 20 participants are selected, then narrowed to 10 finalists who enter a Finals Phase of coaching and expert sessions (February–March 2027) before pitching at the Energy Tech Summit finals event. Winners may receive collaboration opportunities or funding from Shell; no fixed award amount is publicly stated. The 2026 edition focuses on five themes: high-integrity biochar carbon removal, low carbon fuels, water treatment, shipping and maritime decarbonisation, and datacentre grid-ready flexibility. Start-ups should be at TRL 2–5 (up to seed stage); scale-ups at TRL 6–9 with early revenues and Series A or higher. Applications for the 2026 edition opened September 1, 2026, with a deadline of October 23, 2026.
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