Shell StartUp Engine UK
Shell StartUp Engine UK is an acceleration programme for early to mid-stage energy startups looking to develop their capabilities and power business growth within the smart energy landscape.
Shell Startup Engine UK equips startups with the skills, connections and industry insights needed to maximise their chances of success.
The six-month programme is a structured and proven startup support methodology that has been successfully deployed by Shell to support startups across other programme locations, including Singapore, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
We have now selected the cohort for Shell StartUp Engine UK 2025 – see below.
If you are interested in joining the Shell StartUp Engine UK Digital Pre-accelerator, please sign up here.
Shell StartUp Engine UK 2025 cohort
12 breakthrough startups working in Decarbonisation, Low carbon power and storage and New energy business models were selected to be the cohort of Shell StartUp Engine UK 2025.
Decarbonisation
Methanox
Dual-catalyst technology targeting methane slip on ships
Parallel Carbon
Direct air capture and e-fuels production
Eagle Ray Robotics
Submersible drones and advanced sensing
Low carbon power and storage
Cheesecake Energy
Long duration energy storage
Enough Energy
Advanced power electronics for streamlined, lower cost battery systems
Electryone
AI powered autonomous energy trading platform
Super6
Electrode material formulations to unlock supercapacitor performance
Mhor Energy
Fully recyclable, long-life, flow battery
Lumion Labs
AI-powered no-code builder for energy traders
New energy business models
Infyos
AI supply chain operating system to manage global risk and compliance
Protonera
Catalyst-driven process that converts plastics into hydrogen and new plastics
R3V Tech
Electrochemical technology turning biodiesel waste into green chemicals
Powering the future of energy together
Access Shell’s expertise, networks and resources through the Shell StartUp Engine programme
Take part in a programme curriculum that offers executive meetups with investors and industry leaders
Join a global network of experts, startup mentors, and alumni
Be part of the Startupbootcamp entrepreneur ecosystem. Startupbootcamp (SBC) is our programme delivery partner
Why consider Shell StartUp Engine UK?
Our six-month programme offers:
Expertise & opportunities
- Best-in-class structured business acceleration across core modules for startups at different stages and needs.
- Access to specialists in the energy industry to deliver the curriculum.
- Opportunities to interface with programme partners for future deployments or investments.
Global mentoring & networking
- Access to Shell’s network and partners.
- Access to a global network of industry/partner mentors, experts, and coaches.
- Access to the global network of programme alumni and Startupbootcamp’s ecosystem.
Trust & validation
- Selection and participation in our programme lends credibility to startups.
- Validation and proof of concept support.
- Curated industry events showcasing startups to a wider audience (such as Demo Days, Investor Previews, and Fireside Chats).
Demo Day
Demo Day marks the climax of the Shell StartUp Engine UK programme, where the founders pitch to a room full of investors and industry leaders.
Read the transcript
Read the transcript
Title: START UP EVENT - PL1
Duration: 2:34 minutes
Description:
This video features founders sharing insights on the Shell StartUp Engine UK programme, alongside highlights from Demo Day, where they pitched to investors and industry leaders.
START UP EVENT - PL1 Transcript
[Background music plays]
The Sound of Shell plays in an EDM style, occasionally moving into a gentler rhythm
Video footage
The video begins with a stunning drone shot of London’s skyline at sunset, highlighting iconic modern skyscrapers like the Gherkin, surrounded by other buildings and cranes. This is followed by aerial shots of bustling traffic at Bank Junction and the London Stock Exchange buildings.
[Text displays]
12 Start-ups
From 3,000+ evaluated
Video footage
The aerial view of the LSE buildings transitions to interior shots of the LSE venue, showing attendees mingling in groups with visible signage scattered throughout. Successive lines of text transition onto the screen to display at frame-centre.
[Text displays]
Pitch to 100+ Investors
Video footage
The scene shifts to shots of the audience seated in the tiered armchair seating of the LSEG’s theatre event space, illuminated by LED lighting through the walls and ceiling that reflects Shell’s corporate branding.
Parminder Kohli
I'd really like to welcome everybody to the London Stock Exchange.
Video footage
The camera focuses on a close-up of the LSEG reception sign, featuring the LSEG logo and directional arrows under bright indoor lighting. The scene transitions to interior time-lapse footage of people passing through the LSEG’s revolving doors, then to shots of attendees mingling in groups within the event space.
Parminder Kohli
The objectives with this programme is to really bring new technologies into the world so that we can address the climate change challenge.
[Text displays]
Parminder Kohli
Shell UK Country Chair and EVP Sustainability & Carbon
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Parminder speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays his name and title in lower frame-left. A close-up shot focuses on a large oval tech item resting on a table, with a tablet displaying visuals in the background and attendees engaged in conversation out of focus. The camera pans to reveal a row of cardboard plinths adorned with start-up logos alongside Shell branding, each topped with a tablet showcasing visuals, as well as models of the start-ups’ products. In the background, we continue to see attendees engaged in conversation.
Kauan von Novack
Shell Startup Engine is a flagship start-up programme to accelerate the most promising clean tech, clean energy start-ups from the UK.
[Text displays]
Kauan von Novack
Group CEO, Startupbootcamp
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Kauan speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays his name and title in lower frame-right. The shot transitions to a close-up of a tablet and product on one of the branded plinths, as an attendee slides their thumb across the tablet’s screen. Next, we see several shots of attendees chatting in groups throughout the event space.
Parminder Kohli
They learn a lot more about how to scale up their business, how to polish their pitch.
Video footage
The scene continues with various shots of attendees conversing in groups across the event space.
Adam Forbes
And then get them a platform like this in front of investors.
[Text displays]
Adam Forbes
Programme Director, Startupbootcamp
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Adam speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays his name and title in lower frame-right.
Adam Forbes
It's time to meet the start-ups.
[Text displays]
The start-ups
Video footage
The scene cuts to a series of shots of the audience seated in the tiered armchair seating of the theatre. We then see individuals from the various start-ups walking down the side aisles and onto the stage, one by one, as the audience applauds.
Erdem Kazakli
Hello, everyone.
[Text displays]
Shell StartUp Engine UK Demo Day 2024
Speeder Systems
Able maritime transportation
Combining aerospace and naval technology
Video footage
Wide-angle footage shows Erdem Kazakli greet the audience from the stage, with the backdrop split in two: event signage on the left and his product presentation on the right.
Sophie Zienkiewicz
There's a real challenge in terms of providing the sustainable solutions to our future.
[Text displays]
Sophie Zienkiewicz
Co-founder, Carbon Neutral Fuels
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Sophie speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays her name and title in lower frame-left.
Sophie Zienkiewicz
Scarcity of supply is a real risk.
[Text displays]
Shell StartUp Engine
UK Demo Day 2024
Supporting start-up innovation to help power the UK now, and into the future
Current supply is less than 1%
25 years to get to 35%
The UK’s legal obligation
CNF Carbon Neutral Fuels
Split-screen footage
A slide fills the screen. We see the title in upper frame. Below that, the screen in frame left shows Sophie speaking to the audience from the stage. The screen in frame-right shows her product presentation.
Erdem Kazakli
As a start-up, you're looking through a straw.
[Text displays]
Erdem Kazakli
Co-founder, Speeder Systems
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Erdem speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays his name and title in lower frame-left.
Erdem Kazakli
It's called the Speeder, and it's solving a big problem.
[Text displays]
Shell StartUp Engine
UK Demo Day 2024
Supporting start-up innovation to help power the UK now, and into the future
Speeder Systems
Able maritime transportation
Combining aerospace and naval technology
Video footage
A slide fills the screen. We see the title in upper frame. Below that, the screen in frame left shows Erdem speaking to the audience from the stage. The screen in frame-right shows his product presentation.
Erdem Kazakli
If you have a corporate partner like Shell, that gives you a different perspective.
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Erdem speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop.
Adam Forbes
Brilliant. [Unclear] Erdem. Yes, good job.
[Text displays]
Shell StartUp Engine UK Demo Day 2024
Q&A
Video footage
Wide-angle then close-up footage shows Adam congratulate and shake hands with Erdem on stage, with the backdrop reflecting the event title and the Q&A QR code. This is followed by another shot of the applauding audience seated in the tiered armchair seating of the theatre.
Valerie Findlay
Shell has this phenomenal pool of bright, driven, clever talent.
[Text displays]
Valerie Findlay
Co-founder, Pure Alchemi
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Valerie speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays her name and title in lower frame-left. This is followed by another shot of attendees engaged in conversation.
Valerie Findlay
The Shell mentors are incredible.
[Text displays]
the mentors
Video footage
The scene shows two successive close-ups of mentors set against a white stage backdrop, then shows the third onstage with Adam Forbes.
Sarah Sadler-Smith
Good afternoon, everyone.
Video footage
Close-up footage of Sarah, framed against the white stage backdrop.
Sarah Sadler-Smith
Having been a mentor last year, I wanted to repeat that experience this year.
[Text displays]
Sarah Sadler-Smith
Network Portfolio and Decarbonization Manager, Shell
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Sarah speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays her name and title in lower frame-right. We cut back to close-up footage of Sarah, framed against the white stage backdrop, with a brief cutaway to footage of the audience.
Adam Forbes
So this year, we had 120 mentors involved, people that can open doors to extend their network, energy experts.
Video footage
A close-up shot shows Adam speaking to the off-camera interviewer, followed by footage of Marjaana Peeters shaking hands with a man and conversing with him onstage, before transitioning to her speaking from the stage with Adam standing beside her.
Marjaana Peeters
I've helped design their business model.
[Text displays]
Marjaana Peeters
Senior Manager, Strategy & Portfolio, Shell
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Marjaana speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays her name and title in lower frame-left.
Marjaana Peeters
And then I advised them on fundraising.
[Text displays]
Shell StartUp Engine UK Demo Day 2024
Atmosfuture
World’s first energy positive carbon capture solution
Direct air capture decarbonising & generating carbon-free power
Video footage
Close-up footage shows Marjaana framed against the white stage backdrop. This is followed by wide-angle footage of another start-up founder walking onto stage, with the backdrop split in two: event signage on the left and his product presentation on the right.
[Text displays]
Shell StartUp Engine
UK Demo Day 2024
Supporting start-up innovation to help power the UK now, and into the future
Partners & Traction
Eday Island, Scotland 2025
Pre-seed £1.4m – June 2024
Seed £5m – April 2026
Split-screen footage
A slide fills the screen. We see the title in upper frame. Below that, the screen in frame left shows a start-up founder speaking to the audience from the stage. The screen in frame-right shows his product presentation along with numerous partner logos.
Ariela Busato
I enjoyed very much what I learned from them. It's very rewarding.
[Text displays]
Ariela Busato
Solution Designer, Shell
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Ariela speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays her name and title in lower frame-right. This is followed by footage showing individuals from the various start-ups walking down the side aisle of the theatre, past the red-and-yellow brand lighting and onto the stage, one by one, as the audience applauds.
John Raine
It's been great to see the founders that we've been working with for six months come on stage and absolutely nail their pitches.
[Text displays]
John Raine
Social Impact Advisor, Shell UK
Video footage
A wide-angle shot and then a panning shot shows a smiling group onstage, and we hear the audience applauding. This is followed by a close-up of John speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays his name and title in lower frame-left.
[Text displays]
317+ hours of training
360+ hours of Shell mentorship
Video footage
As successive text displays at frame-centre, we see various shots of participants onstage, of the audience and of the final smiling group shot.
Jenny Tooth OBE
We really do need to find and support those long-term opportunities that can build and scale and grow.
[Text displays]
Jenny Tooth OBE
Executive Chair, UK Business Angels Association
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Jenny Tooth speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays her name and title in lower frame-left.
Valerie Findlay
So many things have come from this programme that we just wouldn't have had the exposure to otherwise.
Video footage
We see attendees walking out onto the LSEG’s rooftop terrace venue and then gathering for another smiling group shot.
Giovanni Vaccari
To any start-up that wants to apply to the programme, I say this is a really unique experience.
[Text displays]
Giovanni Vaccari
Managing Director Netherlands, Startupbootcamp
Video footage
A close-up shot captures Giovanni speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. A text box displays his name and title in lower frame-right.
Sophie Zienkiewicz
Knowing that you're part of the solution as a business is pretty cool.
Video footage
We see a brief shot of attendees out on the terrace, then cut to a close-up shot of Sophie speaking to the off-camera interviewer, with the event space serving as the backdrop. This is followed by another smiling group shot out on the terrace. The final scene transitions out of frame in the shape of a contracting Pecten, giving way to a white background.
[Audio]
Shell brand mnemonic played on keys
[Text displays]
Shell.co.uk/startupengine
© Shell International Limited 2024
[Animated sequence]
The small iconic red-and-yellow Pecten transitions in to display at frame-centre against the white background. Text displays below and along lower frame.
Read what founders from previous cohorts said about the programme:
Graham Cook, Co-founder RheEnergiseThe level of engagement and smarts from Shell people is incredibly impressive.
Erdem Kazakli, Co-founder Speeder SystemsWe identified new use-cases, learned more about the business perspective of Shell and were very well mentored overall.
Louise Parlons Bentata, Co-founder BluemethaneIt was the best programme of all the accelerators Bluemethane has done. Just excellent. And I really loved it. Hugely grateful.
Haroon Shaikh, Co-founder, Kerb-eWe received unique insight about our product and the market from one of the major players in the industry
Athan Fox, Co-founder, 17CicadaTo say that our business would not be where it is today without this programme would be an understatement. You have given us a level of credibility that has opened doors.
Fidan Javadova, BeWorks AutomationThe programme surpassed my expectations by far. It stands out from other accelerator programmes I’ve participated in due to its dynamic nature and insightful sessions.
