
Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025
A competition that aims to bring together the start-up ecosystem and Shell to accelerate and explore opportunities for joint learning and collaboration on some of the world's toughest energy challenges.
Competition format
At the Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 Competition, start-ups can pitch their innovative solutions for one of the two problem statement in the area of future energy systems.
The start-ups can demonstrate how their solutions can address the selected problem statement. Following an initial submission round, a virtual jury will shortlist the top start-ups for the finale. These top start-ups then pitch their solutions live to the jury members at the Changemakers of Tomorrow event.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all registered start-ups (minimum 2 staff members).
Startups can be in different TRL levels: -
- 2-5 stage or have received only pre-seed or seed funding; or
- 6-9 stage with early revenues, market validation by pilot(s), series A funding (or higher).
Timeline
Milestone | Date |
---|---|
Competition opens for submissions | 11 July 2025 |
Submissions deadline | 10 August 2025 |
Finalist startups announced | 29 August 2025 |
Winner announcement | 17 September 2025 |
Rewards
The cash prizes that will be awarded are:
- USD 5000 for the first prize winner
- USD 3000 for the second prize winner
The winning start-ups may be awarded a collaboration opportunity with Shell to develop their proof of concept.
Choose your problem statement:
- Efficient 3D model building and segmentation
Asset 3D models are critical across the asset lifecycle from early design validation in capital projects to maintenance and inspection planning in operations. When continuously updated, they reduce late-stage changes and support safe, efficient execution. However, current methods for building segmented 3D models and linking them to P&IDs and isometrics are manual, costly, and hard to scale. This limits their use in early project phases and hinders model accuracy over time. To fully realize digital twin value, scalable and automated solutions are needed to enhance model granularity, ensure data continuity, and integrate seamlessly with engineering and operational systems.
- Scalable Asset Diagnostics with Causal Intelligence
Shell’s diverse portfolio offers a unique opportunity to advance asset management through AI-driven innovation. Recent progress in causal inference and graphical reasoning enables integrated AI systems to deliver enhanced diagnostics, root cause analysis, and predictive accuracy. These capabilities support data-driven decision-making and operational resilience across B2B environments. Embedding such technologies into Shell’s digital ecosystem will strengthen predictive maintenance, reduce unplanned downtime, and optimize asset performance. By adopting scalable, cost-effective AI solutions, Shell reinforces its leadership in digital transformation, driving operational excellence and sustainable business growth.
Competition Rules and Regulations
Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 (Qatar Edition) Winners
Winner: MaxiML
Maximl Labs provides industrial AI solutions that focus on operational safety and asset reliability within various sectors. The company offers mobile-friendly and customizable solutions aimed at improving field operations through digital workflows and standardization, with a focus on production and revenue. Maximl serves the oil & gas, power, metals & mining, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. It was founded in 2016 and is based in Chennai, India.
Challenge - Enhancing data quality for Intelligent Asset Workflows
Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2024 Winners
Squint.ai
Squint is a production wisdom platform that collects specialized knowledge, implements standard procedures, and provides comprehensive analysis, all within one interface.
Challenge - Site procedures management for Oil and Gas industry
Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2023 Winners
Uptime.ai
UptimeAI is an artificial intelligence-based operation excellence platform that combines predictive maintenance with explainable failure modes/recommendations and self-learning workflows to maximize uptime, process efficiency, and drive sustainability. Shell, Petroleum Development Oman, Bharat Petroleum, BASF, and the world's top refiners have unlocked ROI within 90 days.
Challenge: Predictive analysis of oil and gas production facilities (plants)