COASTAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2025
Shell GameChanger and The Idea Village have joined forces to launch the Coastal Innovation Challenge 2025.
This call for solutions invites high-growth startups developing innovative technologies to support coastal restoration, sustainable construction, and marine biodiversity. With the Gulf South’s unique ecosystems and economy closely tied to coastal health, this initiative is an opportunity to unlock scalable solutions that strengthen natural infrastructure and support long-term environmental resilience.
Selected companies will gain access to expert mentorship, business support, and the chance to compete for a $150,000 non-dilutive Shell GameChanger Award.
CONTEXT
The Gulf South is on the front lines of climate change, facing urgent environmental challenges in coastal restoration, marine infrastructure, and deepwater biodiversity. In Louisiana alone, we lose a football field of land every 100 minutes due to coastal erosion—posing existential threats to local communities, vital industries, and fragile ecosystems. At the same time, the Gulf of Mexico supports over 15,000 species and fuels a multi-billion-dollar economy, all of which depend on resilient, healthy coastal and marine environments.
The need for scalable, science-driven innovation has never been more critical. From advanced coastal protection systems to deepwater conservation technologies, this region is ground zero for breakthrough climate solutions that can be deployed worldwide.
That’s why Shell GameChanger and The Idea Village have partnered to launch the Coastal Innovation Challenge—a new initiative designed to accelerate high-growth startups developing transformative technologies for coastal sustainability.
Through this challenge, up to four startups will be selected to join our nationally recognized fall accelerator, gaining access to:
Expert mentorship from Shell subject matter experts (SMEs)
Proven business fundamentals training through Idea Village programming
A chance to compete for a $150,000 non-dilutive Shell GameChanger Award
This is more than a startup competition—it's a launchpad for innovation that can reshape our coastal future.
Applications open soon. Join us in protecting the coast, preserving biodiversity, and building the next wave of climate-tech ventures.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR
The Coastal Innovation Challenge is seeking early-stage startups with validated concepts that are ready to scale. Ideal candidates are leveraging innovative technologies to tackle urgent coastal challenges or advance biodiversity conservation in the Gulf South and beyond.
We’re especially interested in startups working in the following areas:
Coastal restoration using breakthrough materials, advanced construction techniques, or real-time monitoring tools
Sustainable coastal construction that strengthens infrastructure while protecting or enhancing local ecosystems
Deepwater biodiversity solutions that boost marine ecosystem resilience, support habitat protection, or improve biodiversity assessment methods
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
Measurable environmental impact—such as acres restored or carbon sequestered
Scalability across Louisiana, the Gulf South, and other global coastal regions
Commercial viability with a clear business model and market adoption strategy
Novelty and innovation that sets their solution apart from existing technologies
PRIORITY INNOVATION AREAS
While not an exhaustive list, we strongly encourage applications from startups developing technology-driven solutions in the following focus areas:
Coastal protection, restoration, and resilience
Sustainable and adaptive coastal construction techniques
Biodiversity monitoring, restoration, and conservation technologies
AI and remote sensing tools for managing coastal zones and offshore assets
Eco-friendly materials and nature-based solutions for shoreline and habitat recovery
Climate adaptation and risk mitigation platforms
Logistics and mobility solutions for water-based transport and shipping intersections
Reducing the environmental footprint of coastal and offshore operations
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and innovations in data collection, sensing, and monitoring technologies
WE APPLY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION:
NOVELTY: Is your technology fundamentally different and unproven?
VALUE: Could your technology create substantial new value if it works?
WHY SHELL: Is your technology relevant to Shell and the energy future?
TESTING: Can the concept be proven quickly and affordably? Is the right team in place to deliver this?
ABOUT SHELL & SHELL GAMECHANGER
Shell's purpose is to power progress together with more and cleaner energy solutions. We believe that rising standards of living for a growing global population are likely to continue to drive demand for energy for years to come. Shell’s technological capacity, customer mindset, operational experience, and market knowledge mean we are at the forefront of innovative and collaborative approaches to help build a sustainable energy future.
Shell GameChanger works with startups and businesses on unproven early-stage ideas that have the potential to impact the future of energy. The program’s team provides support, expertise, and seed funding, while the startups keep the independence to make their own decisions. Founded in 1996, Shell GameChanger has worked with more than 5,000 innovators from around the world and turned more than 150 ideas related to advanced energy, digital transformation, and a broad spectrum of energy technologies into productive reality.
QUESTIONS?
Contact programs@ideavillage.org.