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.
GCxN’s newest cohort is advancing technologies across two strategic areas: future feedstocks and electrochemical pathways to fuels.
The Shell GameChanger Accelerator™ Powered by NREL (GCxN) has selected five startups to participate in its seventh cohort. Aligned with Shell’s Powering Progress strategy and NREL’s mission to deliver integrated solutions for an affordable, secure energy future, this year’s cohort features companies innovating across two strategic areas: future feedstocks and electrochemical pathways to fuels.
History was made this year at NREL’s 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 Held March 26–28, 2025, the event featured several new opportunities for investors, startups, and other industry professionals.
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’s panel goes beyond traditional capabilities, allowing users to control individual circuits for individual devices.
The Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN) selected Cleantech Open and BRITE Energy Innovators as recipients of its inaugural Channel Partner Strategic Awards. This year’s awards prioritize ecosystem building in communities and tailored support for energy entrepreneurs by fostering partnerships between Channel Partners and community organizations and incubators in underserved markets.
On Oct. 15, 2024, the NREL Innovation Showcase brought together entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, and NREL researchers around the theme “Demand Matters.” As a leading force in bridging emerging technologies with market opportunities, the IEC plays a critical role in connecting innovators with investors and industry stakeholders to drive solutions forward.
Using enzymes instead of microbes allows Invizyne to focus on the specific enzyme pathways that make the biofuels, instead of trying to control the thousands of other things cells do. This means that Invizyne is in engineering-level control of optimizing the enzymes derived from biology, which are renewable and green, to replace petroleum-derived materials.
Aquora Biosystems’ next-generation organic waste biorefinery reduces high costs associated with renewable natural gas and synthetic aviation fuel production.
Consolidated Carbon develops biobased materials, such as industrial hemp, to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide without impacting food production.
Phlair’s load-flexible, electrochemical direct air capture technology provides scalable and cost-efficient carbon dioxide removal from ambient air.
RenewCO2’s electrocatalytic conversion technology transforms carbon dioxide into essential fuels and chemicals using water and electricity, supporting distributed manufacturing capabilities for industrial customers.
SKYRE develops electrochemical systems for the industrial sector that convert carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals.
Sora Fuel produces jet fuel by converting air into low-cost, scalable synthetic fuel without feedstock constraints or impacts on agriculture.
Cohort 1: Energy Storage and Grid Integration – December 2018
Cohort 2: Fast Charging and Grid Integration – August 2019
Cohort 3: Energy Storage and Grid Integration – January 2020
Cohort 4: Electrosynthesis for Fuels and Chemicals – March 2021
Cohort 5: E-Mobility and Industrial Electrification – December 2021
Cohort 6: Low-Carbon Materials and Biological Energy and Chemical Products – October 2023
Cohort 7: Future Feedstocks and Electrochemical Pathways to Fuels – September 2025
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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
