How do I apply?
Applications are made via the website in the Apply Now section. Please do read the About Springboard, Eligibility and Submission contract before making an application.
What do I do if I forget my password to access my application?
Call 0870 850 7085 and speak to one of the Shell Springboard team who will help you.
Will my idea be protected?
To protect all applicants, the independent assessors and judges will have obligations of confidentiality. The limited number of people involved in the administration and promotion of Shell Springboard (Shell employees and others) will also be bound by obligations of confidentiality. However, it is your responsibility to make sure you are satisfied with the level of protection for your idea and apply for patent protection if appropriate. Before submitting your business plan, you must confirm that you understand and accept this.
Will applicants’ ideas be protected from Shell?
A regional panel of experts will make the decision as to who will receive the awards – and they are independent of Shell. Any Shell employees involved in the administration or promotion of the programme will be bound by obligations of confidentiality. The business plan will be judged solely on reduction of green house gases, commercial viability and innovation. (Shell’s direct involvement in the process is restricted to the payment of funds to the successful applicants).
It should be noted, however, that the reduction of green house gas emissions is an important business objective at Shell. Shell itself aspires to be an innovator in this area and, consequently, Shell is continuously developing its own technology and exploring ideas. It may be that Shell Springboard receives and funds business plans similar to or the same as Shell’s current or proposed activities. Before submitting your business plan, you must accept that Shell may already be independently pursuing business opportunities - similar or the same as those in the submissions reviewed – and that this will not in any way preclude Shell from continuing with these opportunities.
Once I’ve applied when will I hear if I’ve been successful or not?
Applications are accepted until midnight on the closing date – details of the closing date are on this website. Applications are then assessed and all applicants are informed by email whether they have been successful or not in getting to the next stage.
Will I get feedback if my application is unsuccessful?
Due to the volume of applications that we receive each year it is not possible for us to give any feedback on unsuccessful applications. So whilst unsuccessful applicants will be contacted no correspondence or appeal can be entered in to. Please note that assessors will not meet individuals or give any feedback on applications.
How are the shortlist for each region picked?
Applications are assessed by an independent set of assessors. Shell Springboard has contracted Camco to undertake this assessment. Camco has considerable expertise and experience in low carbon energy projects, planning for sustainability, carbon management, sustainable buildings, policy and strategy development and business ventures.
If my application is successful what happens next?
If you are successful, you will be invited to a regional event in February 2010. (Expenses incurred in attending will be reimbursed, even if you are unsuccessful.) Here you will be interviewed by an independent panel of experts. Meetings should last no longer than 45 minutes but you will need to attend the full day. A maximum of six awards of between £20,000 and £40,000 are available at each of three regional events. The actual number of awards made, and the level of each award, will be at the judges discretion.
Who are the Judges?
The judges for the 3 regional panels are selected for their insight and impartiality. Examples of previous judges can be found on our website. Once the awards have been announced, up to two businesses from each region will then meet a national panel of judges, as they compete to be recognised as the overall UK winner.