Technology for a net zero future
Discovering trailblazing technologies that can reshape the global energy landscape.
The Decarbonization Technology Challenge invited innovators from across the globe to enter for a chance to win up to $1 million in piloting opportunities with ADNOC, to demonstrate greenhouse gas reducing potential.
Ten finalists will be selected to present their technology to a panel of judges in the UAE in December 2023.
The winning technology will receive:
- Up to $1 million in piloting opportunities with ADNOC
- Access to state-of-the-art research and innovation facilities in Abu Dhabi
Partners
What were we looking for?
This was an opportunity for companies developing innovative solutions that align with the following technology areas:
Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage
- Direct air capture
- In-situ capture
- CO2 transportation
- CO2 utilisation (synthetic fuels, green chemicals)
- CO2 storage
- CO2 monitoring
Nature-based Solutions
- Mangroves
- Algae
- Wastewater treatment
Digital Solutions for Decarbonization
- Automation
- Robotics
- Smart fields
Oil and Gas Emissions Reduction
- Emissions detection & monitoring
- Flaring & venting mitigation
- Energy efficiency (gas turbine efficiency, waste heat recovery, peak shaving)
- Offshore waste management (hydrocarbon, drilling, platform waste)
- Reuse of assets
- Sustainable decommissioning (removal/salvage)
New Energies
- Hydrogen production (green, blue, turquoise, pink)
- Hydrogen storage
- Hydrogen transportation
- Alternative fuels (synthetic fuels, e-fuels)
- Geothermal energy
- Solar energy
- Energy storage (geological hydrogen, batteries, battery alternatives)
Advanced Materials for Decarbonization
- Low-carbon materials to replace carbon steel pipes
- Low-carbon graphene applications
- Materials for photovoltaic systems
- Materials for low-carbon production of hydrogen and related energy carriers and chemical feedstocks
- Thermoelectric energy conversion materials
- Caloric energy conversion materials
- Materials for low loss electronics
Entry Criteria
- Your company must be developing a solution that aligns with the areas of focus, and that could help ADNOC reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The technology should be pilotable within ADNOC, and not yet globally deployed.
- The technology should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to 8 inclusive.
- Technology must be suitable for UAE climate conditions.
- You must ensure that at least 1-2 representatives of your company will be available in December 2023 to attend and present at the final event in the UAE.
Please read full guidance notes and terms & conditions before applying.
Have questions?
We have the answers
Who can apply?
The Decarbonization Technology Challenge is open to early stage companies from all around the world which are developing decarbonization technologies aligned with our areas of focus. These solutions should be pilotable within ADNOC upstream and downstream operations, and demonstrate a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – find out more about ADNOC here. For additional information, please refer to the entry criteria.
What areas must our technology relate to?
The technology must relate to at least one of the focus areas listed here.
How do you define an early stage company?
An early stage company is one which is pre-revenue or making modest amounts of revenue, and which is not making a profit.
Is our technology too advanced or too early stage to apply?
We invite applications from start-ups with technologies with pilotable solutions at an early stage of development, namely technology readiness level (TRL) 4 to 8 inclusive. We will not accept applications from companies outside of this TRL range.
What do you mean by pilotable?
The technology must be ready for demonstration at scale within ADNOC’s operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and therefore be suitable for the local climate conditions, and have been validated in a relevant environment.
The technology must not have already been globally deployed.
Do I need to own our technology?
Yes, your company needs to own the technology you put forward in your application, i.e. your start-up must own the intellectual property to your technology. The technology additionally needs to have been developed by your company.
Is my company’s intellectual property protected?
The information submitted will be reviewed by assessors and judges from a number of different organisations. Your submission should not include confidential information on your technology’s intellectual property unless that intellectual property is properly protected.
My start-up is owned by a larger entity. Am I still eligible?
The applicant company cannot be fully or majority owned by a larger entity. The Decarbonization Transition Technology Challenge is open to early stage companies only. If your start-up is wholly owned by a larger company or corporate or has that larger company or corporate as a majority shareholder then your start-up would not be eligible to apply.
In which language should I apply?
You must complete the application form in English. All pitches in the final event should also be presented in English.
When can you tell me more about the final event, including when and where it is?
The final event will take place in the UAE in December 2023. The exact date and location will be released before the end of June.
However, regardless of the date or location, reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred by the finalists to attend the final event will be covered by ADNOC and its project partners.
Can you explain the assessment and selection process?
Once applications close on August 18, screening and due diligence will be conducted on all applicants to ensure their applicability to the Challenge.
Detailed scoring will then be conducted, in partnership with technology experts, to identify 10 high-impact technologies that deserve to pitch their technologies to a panel of judges at the final event.
Who will be assessing my application?
All applications will be subjected to an initial screening by the Net Zero Technology Centre, to ensure their technology is applicable and within scope.
All applications that advance through this initial screening will be reviewed by a panel of experts nominated by ADNOC and project partners including bp, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Hub 71.
When will I find out if my application has been successful?
All applicants will be informed by the end of October if their application has been successful or not in reaching the final event.
Can you explain more about the prize?
Winners will receive up to $1 million in piloting opportunities with ADNOC, as well as access to state-of-the-art research and innovation facilities in Abu Dhabi.
Please note this prize is not a cash prize to be used at the winner’s discretion, but contributes to the value of a pilot. ADNOC also reserve the right to structure the award of the prize to their choosing (i.e. up to $1 million to one winner or split amongst multiple winners).
If successful, will my company need to establish a presence in the UAE?
Yes, the winner will be expected to establish a presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).