Since 2008, the Eni group has organized the Eni Awards to recognize and promote research and technological innovation in the fields of energy and the environment. Particular attention is given 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, and big data management - capable of improving and accelerating technological development.
Starting in 2022, Eni - through Joule, its Business School - has established a new award, titled Eni Joule for Entrepreneurship, aimed at fostering the application, development, and technology transfer in the field of energy transition, while promoting the creation of a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
The Eni Joule for Entrepreneurship special mention is therefore designed to promote innovative and sustainable entrepreneurship in the areas of decarbonizing processes and products, the circular economy, and the fight against climate change, with the aim of contributing to the energy transition and fostering the country’s socioeconomic development.
The call for start-ups for the 2026 edition of Eni Joule for Entrepreneurship is open until April 19. Among the winning start-ups from previous editions of the initiative was RarEarth, an innovative company that has already completed I3P's incubation program.
Evaluation criteria and prizes
The award consists of three prizes to be awarded to three recipients selected from among teams, university spin-offs, and start-ups that have developed or are developing innovative, sustainable - not only economically but also environmentally and socially - and technologically advanced business projects. When evaluating the submitted applications, particular consideration will be given to the following aspects:
- the proposing team’s expertise;
- the innovativeness of the proposed solution and its level of technological development;
- market potential;
- the potential for generating environmental and social value in the long term.
The finalist projects will be selected by a special external committee, which will announce the winners by July 2026. The prize will consist of a personalized silver plaque, as well as travel and accommodation services provided directly by Eni - for up to two members of each winning team - to attend the final awards ceremony to be held in Rome, Italy, in the presence of President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and Eni’s top management.
How to apply
Applications for the Eni Joule for Entrepreneurship special mention must be accompanied by a pitch deck, which is a presentation that summarizes the business plan and provides an overview of the entrepreneurial project.
The application form is available online and must be submitted, along with the resume of each team member, to Eni Management via the dedicated platform by Sunday, April 19, 2026. Subsequently, within three weeks of the application deadline, Eni Management will send confirmation of the formal acceptance of the application via email. The winners will be selected, as mentioned, by July and invited to the final awards ceremony to be held in the following months.
