The 2024 edition of the Eni Joule for Entrepreneurship award has kicked off: the initiative, established in 2021 to complement the Eni Award, contributes to the development of a sustainable innovation ecosystem. It is possible to apply for the initiative until March 22th, by registering on the Eni Joule web platform.
The objective of the Eni group is to promote innovative and sustainable entrepreneurship in support of the decarbonisation process and the fight against climate change with projects based on the circular economy. A way to contribute to the valorisation and transfer of technologies in the field of energy transition, thus supporting the socio-economic development of the country.
The Eni Joule for Entrepreneurship call for applications is reserved for teams, university spin-offs and start-ups that have or are developing innovative entrepreneurial projects, which are sustainable not only economically but also environmentally and socially, and of high technological value. The three selected winners will finally be awarded by the Italian President of the Republic during the official ceremony in Rome that will conclude the initiative.
How to participate
Applications for the Eni Joule for Entrepreneurship award must be accompanied by a pitch deck, i.e. a presentation summarising the business plan and providing an overview of the entrepreneurial project. The application must be made on Eni's online platform dedicated to the initiative by March 22th, 2024. Within the two weeks following this date, Eni management will send applicants e-mail confirmation of formal acceptance of the application.
Four aspects in particular will be considered when assessing the applications submitted:
- skills of the proposing team;
- innovativeness of the proposed solution and level of technological development;
- market potential;
- prospects of environmental and social value that can be generated in the long term.
The three winning projects will be identified, following a preliminary selection by an Eni pre-evaluation committee and an external commission, by July 2024.
The prize will consist of a personalised silver plaque, delivered in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and Eni's top management, as well as the direct payment by Eni - in favour of a maximum of two members of each winning team - of travel services to Rome, transfers necessary for participation in the final event, and board and lodging during the ceremony for up to a maximum of two nights' stay.
The context of the initiative
Eni is a global energy company, present in 69 countries, which acts responsibly towards its stakeholders along the entire value chain. Eni concretely supports a socially just energy transition towards a carbon neutral future, with the aim of preserving our planet and promoting access to energy resources in an efficient and sustainable manner for all, pursuing an equitable energy transition while respecting society and local and global ecosystems.
Since 2008, Eni has established the Eni Award to reward and promote research and technological innovation in the field of energy and the environment. Special attention is paid to solutions that promote cutting-edge technologies, greater access to energy for developing countries and the use of digital tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, big data management etc., which can improve and accelerate technology development.
Starting in 2022, Eni - through Joule, its school for entrepreneurship - has established the additional Eni Joule for Entrepreneurship award, aimed at fostering the application, valorisation and transfer of technologies in the field of energy transition, while promoting the creation of a sustainable innovation ecosystem.