What happens when AI innovators from 27 countries take on real-world energy challenges? At the Shell.ai Futures Pitch – Qatar Edition, held for the first time in Qatar, we got to find out.
Through a partnership between Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre (QSRTC), early-stage startups were invited to tackle complex energy problems using AI—from supply chain risks to smart fault detection.
The competition drew 86 applications, with 14 shortlisted and three finalists rising to the top. MAXIML (India) took first place for improving data quality in asset workflows, followed by Prewave (Austria) and UptimeAI (USA). All winners received cash prizes and access to up to USD 100,000 in proof-of-concept funding, along with valuable support from QSTP’s innovation ecosystem. You can learn more about MAXIML and their AI-powered solutions by visiting their website: https://www.maximl.com.
The event reflects a shared commitment to empowering startups, driving digital innovation in the energy sector, and creating space for high-impact ideas to thrive. For QSTP, it strengthens Qatar’s position as a platform for transformative AI. For Shell, it demonstrates how collaboration can accelerate progress across industries and borders.
At QSTP, we are proud to be where global solutions meet local opportunity. As more startups bring their ideas here, the future of energy is not just something we anticipate—it is something we help build.