Media Coverage
En-ergise Launch
Network Organisation Going for Growth
Opportunities for energy technology companies highlighted
Published: 20/04/2009, Press & Journal
See online article and photo from the P&J
A NETWORK organisation has been set up in Aberdeen to support energy technology companies identify and capitalise on business-growth opportunities.
En-ergise is a not-for-profit organisation established by its directors, Dorothy Burke and Helen Tulloch.
It aims to provide members with a range of events and services to maximise the business growth of energy technology companies in UK and overseas markets.
Ms Burke said: “The UK has an enormous pool of expertise across all sectors of the energy industry and this network is designed to allow companies and individuals gain access to this experience to understand where growth opportunities lie. Technology is key to the sustainability and growth of the UK energy sector and it is therefore vital we can continue to bring new technology on stream.”
To mark the launch of En-ergise, an event focusing on energy technology challenges and opportunities will be held on Wednesday at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Places for the gathering are available by phoning Dorothy Burke on 01224 619821 or e-mailing db@en-ergise.com
Ms Burke was previously regional director of Connect Scotland, while Ms Tulloch joined En-ergise from ITF, the Industry Technology Facilitator.
Shell GameChanger event aims to uncover gems of ideas
Published 17/06/09 Press & Journal
See pdf of the article and photo from the P&J
Technology companies, entrepreneurs and academics are being invited to share their ideas and technologies at an energy industry event in Aberdeen later this month.
For the first time, oil major Shell will be taking its GameChanger team to meet with Aberdeen’s wider energy community to uncover potential gems of ideas for advancing activity in the upstream oil and gas industry.
The Shell GameChanger Innovation Fair, hosted by Aberdeen-based network organisation En-ergise, will be held in Aberdeen on Tuesday, June 23 at the AECC from 10am – 5pm.
GameChanger is a unique group within Shell which invests in novel, early stage energy related ideas to help get them to proof of concept stage. Originally open only to Shell employees, GameChanger is now investing outside Shell, with technology companies, individual entrepreneurs and academics all invited to share their ideas.
Hosted by En-ergise, a not-for-profit network organisation which supports energy technology companies identify and capitalise on business growth opportunities, GameChanger is one of a series of events aimed at maximising the potential for development of energy based technology and delivering it to the oil and gas industry both in the UK and internationally.
Innovative ideas and technologies that could have a positive impact on exploration and production activity are the main focus of the event and there is an opportunity for the best ideas to be awarded investment and given support to reach the “proof of concept” stage.
Ideas can range from new oil exploration techniques to improved production tools and can also include technologies relating to enhanced oil recovery, carbon capture and sequestration, subsurface imaging or modelling and unconventional oil and gas resources.
Ultimately, if funding is awarded it is generally over the duration of the project, typically of 2-3 years. Once a mutually acceptable commercial contract is agreed, the inventor will then work with GameChanger to develop the idea in accordance with a development plan.
Certain criteria apply to define whether an idea is a real GameChanger though. The idea has to be fundamentally new and different from previous initiatives. It should create substantial new value for the sector, needs to be deliverable and of benefit to the Shell business and its core aims and objectives.
En-ergise director Dorothy Burke explains:
“New technology is key to the sustainability and growth of the UK energy sector. We need to maximise opportunities for businesses to get in front of the key decision makers and events like the Shell GameChanger help promote investment in emerging technology and ideas that can deliver added value. We believe there is a highly talented pool of entrepreneurs, businesses and academics in the region and what we intend to do with GameChanger, and other industry focused events, is to tap into that very valuable resource.
“This has been a very popular event but there are a limited number of places still available for associated companies and representatives to register for the event. For those attending there will also be an opportunity to engage with representatives from technology development organisations including the oil and gas Industry’s Technology Facilitator (ITF), Subsea UK and the Centre for Design and Innovation.”
Michael Ruggier, E&P GameChanger at Shell added:
“The Shell GameChanger model provides a sheltered testing zone where an idea is developed and tried. Once an idea is considered a true GameChanger it will not be shelved and all options will be considered to enable the idea to reach the marketplace.
“We are prepared to take risks to revolutionise the industry. The purpose of the GameChanger process is to unearth ideas that can transform current methods of exploration and production The If the idea works, it can be commercialised in Shell’s worldwide market place, or become an independent new business.“
The day will begin with an outline by Shell GameChanger members describing how the process works and presenting GameChanger case studies. Pre-screening sessions will then take place allowing attendees to present their early stage ideas. If successful, candidates will then be asked to attend screening panel appointments with Shell GameChanger teams in the afternoon. Extended panel appointments will be offered to the most innovative, workable and game-changing ideas, a decision will then be made on whether investment will be allocated to develop the idea.
To find out more or register for this event, please visit
www.en-ergise.com/index/gamechanger
En-ergise provides technology members with a range of focused industry events and services to maximise the business growth of energy based technology companies in UK and overseas markets. An independent network, En-ergise is already working closely with organisations including Scottish Enterprise, UKTI, ITF, Department of Energy and Climate Change and Subsea UK to complement their services for supporting companies to develop new technologies and maximise market share.