Greentown Labs has launched Greentown Go Make 2026, an open-innovation programme developed in partnership with Shell Catalysts & Technologies and Technip Energies, aimed at accelerating catalytic solutions for industrial decarbonisation and the energy transition.
The programme is seeking applications from startups with technology readiness levels between 3 and 8 that are developing process technologies and catalytic innovations across areas including low-carbon fuels, low-carbon gases, carbon dioxide removal and alternative chemical manufacturing.
Selected startups will gain access to a structured engagement platform with senior leaders and technical experts from Shell and Technip Energies. Participants will receive partnership-focused programming, networking opportunities and marketing visibility, and will be able to explore potential collaborations such as pilot projects and demonstrations.
Catalysis underpins nearly 90% of global chemical processes and is widely regarded as a critical enabler of industrial decarbonisation. However, many existing catalytic pathways remain fossil-based and energy-intensive, highlighting the need for innovation in this area.
Shell will contribute its catalyst research and development capabilities to the programme, drawing on its experience in zeolites, advanced catalysts, solvents and process technologies. Technip Energies will bring its engineering and project delivery expertise, focused on scaling innovations into industrial applications.
Elise H. Nowee, president of Shell Catalysts & Technologies, said the programme highlighted the importance of catalytic process technologies in the energy transition, adding that collaboration with Technip Energies would help startups move promising ideas towards real-world deployment.
Wei Cai, chief technology officer of Technip Energies, said achieving industrial decarbonisation would require both breakthrough innovation and deep process engineering expertise, noting that the programme aims to help early-stage technologies progress towards scalable industrial solutions.
Greentown Labs chief executive Georgina Campbell Flatter said decarbonising catalysts was a critical step in the energy transition, and that the Go Make 2026 programme could be transformational for participating startups by providing direct access to industry experts and potential customers.
Greentown Go Make 2026 forms part of Greentown Labs’ wider Go programme portfolio, which also includes tracks focused on transportation, energy and electricity, buildings, and food and agriculture.
Applications for the programme close on 10 March 2026 at 11:59 pm ET, and startups from around the world are eligible to apply.
