The Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 Qatar Edition competition, held for the first time in Qatar, recognized three pioneering startups for their innovative digital energy solutions. This event was organized through a strategic partnership between Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation. Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre (QSRTC) also participated in the partnership.
The Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 competition gave early-stage technology companies a platform to address critical energy challenges. These startups leveraged Shell’s expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and energy technologies. Additionally, they benefited from QSTP’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. As a result, the competition received 86 applications from 27 countries. Impressively, 40% of submissions came from the Middle East and North Africa region.
Startups developed AI-powered solutions across three key challenge areas: identifying and quantifying supply chain risks, improving data quality for intelligent asset workflows, and applying AI-enabled smart fault diagnosis using HAZOP analysis. After a thorough review of all 86 applications, the judges shortlisted 14 startups for their exceptional ideas. Following a rigorous three-round evaluation process, the Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 finalists emerged: Prewave from Austria, MAXIML from India, and UptimeAI.com from the US.
The finalists presented their solutions to a panel of experts, including senior Shell leaders and the president of QSTP. This year’s first prize in the Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 went to MAXIML for its groundbreaking solution to enhance data quality for intelligent asset workflows. Prewave secured second place, while UptimeAI received third.
Winners received cash prizes and access to up to USD 100,000 in funding. This funding was to develop proof-of-concept solutions, with support from QSTP’s innovation ecosystem. The Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 competition provided a significant opportunity for the winners to grow their businesses. It also encouraged them to further innovate in the energy sector.
Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP, emphasized the importance of nurturing early-stage innovation to propel Qatar’s startup ecosystem forward. “The Shell.ai Futures Pitch competition aligns with QSTP’s mission to foster innovative solutions to complex challenges. It also strengthens Qatar’s position as a hub for transformative innovation.”
Rob Maxwell, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, expressed excitement about bringing the Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 to Qatar. “This reflects our shared commitment to advancing digital innovation in the energy sector. We aim to empower startups to tackle real-world, energy-related challenges using AI.”
This edition of the Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025 reinforces the strong collaboration between QSTP and Qatar Shell. Qatar Shell remains deeply committed to supporting innovation, developing local talent, and creating sustainable in-country value.
