Focused on identifying and advancing the next generation of transformative energy technologies, GCxN partners early-stage companies with the resources, expertise, and facilities available through the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Shell’s incubator program, Shell GameChanger to reduce technology development risk and accelerate tech to market. Startups are referred by NREL’s network of Channel Partners (nationwide incubators, accelerators, and universities) with finalists selected after reviews by technology experts at both NREL and Shell.
DTE Materials selected for GCxN Cohort 6
Hexas Biomass selected for GCxN Cohort 6
Zila Bioworks selected for GCxN Cohort 6
Invizyne Technologies selected for GCxN Cohort 6
April 29, 2025 — National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) History was made this year at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Industry Growth Forum (IGF), and not only because it celebrated the 30th anniversary of the event. The IGF also reached a record high number for attendance: more than 1,000 people “Thank…
April 28, 2025 — National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Imagine a severe storm knocks out a neighborhood powerline; while most homes go dark, one homeowner seamlessly manages their backup energy, prioritizing critical appliances. This is not the future—it is happening now with SPAN’s smart electrical panel. SPAN is the only startup company to go through…
April 8, 2025 — National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) The Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN), a multimillion-dollar, multiyear program developed in collaboration between Shell GameChanger and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), selected Cleantech Open and BRITE Energy Innovators as recipients of its inaugural Channel Partner Strategic Awards. This…
NREL – November 14, 2024 – Gathering in Avon, Colorado, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) held the NREL Innovation Showcase on Oct. 15, 2024, to bring together cleantech and climate-tech entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, and NREL researchers around the theme “Demand Matters.”
NREL – October 1, 2024 – While reading papers describing the use of enzymes to transform materials into biofuels as an alternative to using microbes, NREL research group leader Yannick Bomble first came across the eventual founders of Invizyne.
NREL – August 21, 2024 – National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Research Group Manager Dan Schell says he gets to do the fun part.
“I get to use a big piece of equipment and turn wood into very small particles with continuous explosions,” Schell said.
DTE Materials converts agricultural and forest waste into sustainable, carbon-negative construction materials.
Hexas Biomass created a nature-based alternative for wood, food crops, and fossil fuel-based feedstocks for biofuel production.
Invizyne Technologies is a cell-free enzyme platform that enhances biomass conversions, vastly improving the economics of bio-based chemical production.
ZILA BioWorks developed a bio-epoxy resin from hemp seed oil that has a 60% smaller carbon footprint than petroleum-based epoxies.
Round 1: Energy Storage and Grid Integration – Cohort selected in December 2018
Round 2: Fast Charging and Grid Integration – Cohort selected in August 2019
Round 3: Energy Storage and Grid Integration – Cohort selected in January 2020
Round 4: Electrosynthesis for Fuels and Chemicals – Cohort selected in March 2021
Round 5: E-Mobility and Industrial Electrification – Cohort selected in December 2021
Round 6: Low-carbon materials, and biological energy and chemical products – Cohort selected in October 2023
Sign Up for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Newsletter
The Shell GameChanger™ Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN) is a multimillion-dollar, multiyear program developed in collaboration between Shell GameChanger and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) focused on discovering and advancing emerging clean technologies with the potential to dramatically alter the future global energy landscape. GCxN identifies promising startup companies through an ecosystem of more than 60 business incubators, accelerators and universities, providing access up to $250,000 in non-dilutive funding in the form of technical experts to develop and demonstrate new energy technologies. GCxN is made possible by funding through Shell GameChanger. GCxN is administered by NREL, located in Golden, Colorado.
Potential applicants are referred to the GCxN team through our Channel Partners. The GCxN program seeks companies with technologies focusing on rotating themes such as future feedstocks, energy storage, grid integration, and industrial electrification. A preference is given to companies between TRL levels II through V.
A TRL is a company’s technology readiness level. GCxN follows the U.S. Department of Energy’s TRL definitions.
The Shell GameChanger™ Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN) is looking to identify the next generation of technologies with the potential to impact the future of energy. Specifically, GCxN is looking for companies with a novel early-stage technology idea, a provable concept, and demonstration-ready value. GCxN aims to provide startups with the support necessary to move from an idea on a chalk board to a commercial product deployed in the market place.
Applications are reviewed according to three primary factors: viability and potential energy impact, fit for laboratory assistance, and alignment with GCxN program mission. View the application scoring rubric.
GCxN is a collaboration between Shell Global and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with staff from Shell GameChanger and NREL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.
GCxN’s Channel Partners are a combination of academic, industry, and government institutions who work in advanced energy technologies across North America. A complete list of Channel Partners is available on the IEC’s Network page.
Each GCxN cohort is comprised of three to ten companies.
Start to finish duration is approximately 24 months from announcement of awardees to completion of projects.
Yes, the award is used on non-dilutive technical assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
More information can be found at NREL IEC.
More information can be found at Shell GameChanger.
Questions, comments, and concerns are welcome at gcxn@nrel.gov.
Do you want to know more about the program or how GCxN is changing the game when it comes to the future of energy? Get in touch today.
Email: GCxN@nrel.gov
