INNOVATE for better

We want YOU to innovate new solutions for the energy transition.

We’re inviting all NTNU students and NTNU startups to participate in this challenge.

Every day, as we energise the lives of over 170 million people, Equinor is working to resolve the energy trilemma of climate, affordability, and security. We aim to be a net zero company by 2050, finding new solutions in oil and gas, renewables, and low carbon.

We need new ways of thinking and new ideas to this energy transition, maybe this can be you and your ideas or project.

We believe that innovative entrepreneurs like you and start-ups will play a vital role in making this happen.

Be inspired by 2nd prize winner of 2023:

What is INNOVATE for better?

INNOVATE for Better is a monetary award established by Equinor together with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Would YOU like to contribute to driving the energy transition towards net zero?

Do you have concrete ideas on how to contribute solving specific challenges in the energy transition? If so, let us help support you in developing your ideas and give you a flying start!

Net Zero: the goal is simple; the solution is complex. This is why we all need to work together.

Like many other nations, Norway aims to be a low-emission country by 2050. Net zero means that we have solutions to eliminate or neutralise greenhouse gas emissions.

We clearly need to ramp up the capacity of renewables, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) — as well as clean hydrogen — to meet the future demand of clean energy.

Here’s the challenge

How can your idea, project, technology or startup contribute to the energy transition? How can it contribute in Equinor’s journey towards net zero?

These are the prizes on offer:

1st place
Up to 300 000 NOK
Ph.D student project* or Startup student project

* Ph.D. student projects require written consent from the head of the department, who confirms that the candidate can participate in this competition. The consent must be attached to the application.

Up to 100 000 NOK
early phase student project

2nd place
Up to 50 000 NOK, student project

3rd place
Up to 50 000 NOK, student project

The winners will also have access to Equinor’s subject matter experts for three months. Applications received will only be used for assessment in this competition. The application will be shredded after the prizes have been awarded.

What are the conditions?

All students at NTNU, from bachelor to PhD, can apply. All we ask is that you have a concrete idea, project or start up that could contribute to the energy transition – and don't worry, Equinor will not own any rights, your ideas are one hundred percent your ideas. Applications received will only be used for assessment in this competition. The application will be shredded after the prizes have been awarded.

And one more thing: The deadline is 10 November 2024!

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Here’s a presentation of our former prize winners:

2023:

1 prize: Arctic Protein industrialize nature’s protein production. From organic, industrial waste, they scale the production of sustainable protein through the Black Soldier Fly.
Arctic Protein Industries

2 prize: Cerebionics

3. prize: DrillFeel is a technology that uses haptic feedback to increase driller’s awareness of the downhole and top-side drilling process.
DrillFeel: Increasing driller’s situational awareness - NTNU

2022:

1. prize: Kelpinor - they make a new generation of seaweed biostimulants for plants - based on cultivated kelp, improving quality, sustainability and availability.
Kelpinor - Seaweed for plant health

2. prize: Versiro: A Real-Time Multi-Market Decision Support Platform for Electrical Power Asset.
Versiro - Mastering Uncertainty in Electric Markets

3. prize: Dep Joint: A joint for pre-cast concrete piles that enables harvesting of geothermal energy from building foundations.
Dep Joint - NTNU Technology Transfer AS (ntnutto.no)

See below for how to apply, and scroll down for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions

Who can participate?
The challenge is for all students, from bachelor to Ph.D.

Can international students participate?
Yes.

Can you participate as a group?
Yes, you should work in groups, preferably multi-disciplinary groups.

Will the whole group win the 1st prize?
Yes. The whole group will win the prize, in order to further mature the idea, project, start up or tech that you have been working on. This includes a monetary prize and access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in Equinor, for 3 months.

What do you want me to deliver?
1. Video introduction of the team (90 sec)
2. Video pitch of your idea (3 min)
3. Your PITCH DECK (max 12 slides)

Where should we submit our deliveries?
The deliveries must be submitted to innovate@equinor.com by 10 November 2024

Will Equinor own the rights to the idea, tech or project?
No.

Do we get any kind of assistance during the competition?
Yes, you will be able to talk to mentors in Equinor.

What are the key criteria for success?
• Value creation / business potential
• Probability of success / likelihood of realisation
• Potential to improve sustainability
• Degree of innovation creativity

What is the deadline?
The deadline is 10 November 2024, and the best groups will be contacted within 6 weeks.