Equinor Ventures has signed a letter of intent on May 12 with f3nice, an Italian additive manufacturing company. F3nice’s technology will source metal scrap and disused parts and convert this into metal powder, which can be used as input material for printing of new parts. Equinor will support a project to test and validate F3nice’s technology and business model.

Equinor Ventures has awarded two Accelerator Prizes to Cnergreen and Ocean Access. Cnergreen is commercializing a nanoparticle-based foam technology enabling cleaner hydrocarbon production. Ocean Access is developing a more reliable and cost-effective solution for accessing and gathering information from remote locations offshore. The companies will receive $50,000 each.

This year the Equinor and Techstars Energy Accelerator has been entirely virtual. During the past 13 weeks, nine start-ups from all around the world have tapped into the global network of Techstars, Capgemini, Kongsberg and Equinor. Over 150 mentors have participated, assisting the start-ups mature and grow. The program has represented a unique possibility to search for the best ideas within the energy sector.

“I am very energized by how the nine companies have created broad engagement across Equinor. While we have been able to help them improve their product and technologies—they have also challenged us. Through their innovative ideas and disruptive technologies, these companies will help us to deliver on our mandate; to optimize oil and gas, accelerating profitable renewables and develop low carbon solutions,” Philip Hansteen, leader of Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator at Equinor Ventures, said.