Shell launches open innovation studio to reimagine the future of work in exploration

Studio X, a 1st-of-its-kind open innovation studio powered by Shell, launched in September with 3 initial products to help define the future of exploration.
Starting with 3 products focused on exploration and discovery, Studio X will immediately offer software tools, on-demand work, prize-winning challenges, mentorship opportunities, and more to energy innovators.

Xeek is the home for crowdsourcing revolutionary geoscience ideas. It unites data scientists and geoscientists from all over the world in a community dedicated to tackling complex problems with brilliant solutions.

XCover is a global talent network for virtual exploration projects. It matches specialized geoscience talent to a variety of rewarding exploration projects run from state-of-the-art virtual workstations, enabling cutomers to execute projects from anywhere in the world at any time.

SixLab is a no-strings attached incubator, powered by Shell, that provides exploration entrepreneurs with access to world-class mentorship, resources, and facilities to help shape the future of energy.

Mauhan Zonoozy, Acting GM of Studio X, said:

• Studio X brings tech advances at a challenging time for exploration and the global economy;
• The technology within will lead to better ways of working in the exploration field - increasing collaboration and ultimately improving outcomes;
• Studio X will fuel big ideas, connect a network of global talent with remote work opportunities, empower and guide entrepreneurs and startups, and crowdsource bold solutions to make the ideas of today into the industry-leading tools of tomorrow.

While technology and innovation are constantly being introduced, the ways of working in the exploration space have generally remained the same until now.
Studio X will break down silos, improve outcomes, and increase collaboration, using a flexible workforce.

Marc Gerrits, Shell’s executive VP of Global Exploration, said:

• Studio X was developed by Shell to reimagine the future of work in exploration;
• To meet increasing global energy demand, oil and gas will remain an element of the energy mix for decades to come;
• By harnessing efficiencies, embracing new technologies, and deploying digital capabilities, Studio X will be at the forefront as the exploration profession evolves.

In launching Studio X, Shell (or potentially 3rd-party project sponsors) offers real-world projects with data to an untapped worldwide network of scientists, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders - crowdsourcing ideas and nurturing companies to usher in a new chapter in exploration.