We want YOU to innovate new solutions for the future. We are now welcoming applicants for the 2026 edition of Innovate for Better!
We’re inviting all students with an innovative idea or concept, and student startups, to participate in this challenge.
Every day, as we energize the lives of millions of people, Equinor is always searching for better solutions. We are faced with the energy trilemma of climate, affordability, and security, and we are working to find new, or improve existing solutions within in oil and gas, renewables, and low carbon solutions to reach our net zero goals. We believe that innovative minds will play a vital role in making this happen.
So, what is Innovate for Better?
Innovate for Better is a competition established by Equinor together with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and now we are opening up to all students in Trondheim to participate. All we ask is that you have a concrete idea, project or start up that is innovative for better. It doesn’t need to be related to energy or Equinor business.
Do you have concrete ideas on how you can Innovate for Better? If so, let us help support you in developing your ideas and give you a flying start!
3rd place 100 000 NOK Best early phase concept/prototype
Up to 100 000 NOK
For your information
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 and shredded after the prizes have been awarded.
Nicholas Lund
Here’s a presentation of our former prize winners:
2025:
1st prize: Naya supports women living in impoverished urban areas in India by providing them the opportunity to learn and perform data labeling, which is essential for developing artificial intelligence.
2nd prize: Kynetix creates exoskeleton technology that offers easier control with fewer, low-cost sensors, making it affordable and versatile for all environments without relying on external conditions
3rd prize: Apotrox are developing units that turn industrial tanks into bioreactors. This solves the emission and sustainability barriers caused by a lack of omega 3 in aquaculture.
2023:
1st 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
1st 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
* Ph.D. student projects require written consent from the head of the department, confirming that the candidate can participate in this competition. The consent must be attached to the application.
Who can participate? The challenge is for all students, from bachelor to Ph.D:
With a prototype or proof of concept
Student startup looking to grow
Can international/exchange students participate? Yes, this is open for all students in Trondheim.
Can you participate as a group? You can participate as a group, or individually.
Will the whole group win the 1stprize? 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 to include in the final submission? The submission needs to be a pitch deck in English, which should include
Find the guidelines for pitch deck here.
Where should we submit our deliveries? The deliveries must be submitted to innovate@equinor.com
Will Equinor own the rights to the idea, tech or project? No.
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 - Pitch performance and quality
