We want YOU to innovate new solutions for the future.
We’re inviting all NTNU students and NTNU startups to participate in this challenge.
Every day, as we energize the lives of over 170 million 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.
Equinor and Norway needs entrepreneurs and start-ups to create the solutions we need in the future. We believe that innovative minds like you and your start-ups will play a vital role in making this happen.
So, what is Innovate for Better?
Innovate for Better is an award established by Equinor together with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). 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!
There are prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Last year they were:
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.
2nd place Up to 150 000 NOK
3rd place Up to 100 000 NOK
The prize for the upcoming awards is yet to be decided.
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.
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 is innovating for better – 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.
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.
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 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 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
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 - Pitch performance and quality
Would you like dialogue with us?
Sign up for a dialogue with us using the form linked below before you submit your ideas.
