A trailblazing Scottish business has won a coveted top 10 place in a global Shell competition.

Shell LiveWire’s Top Ten Innovators highlights high-performing entrepreneurs from across the world that are making a positive impact in business innovation, environmental sustainability and social impact.

Scottish software firm Energy Mutual, which was up against companies from the USA, Brazil, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Brunei in the Business Innovation 2025 category, won $10,000 in equity-free funding by landing second place in the vote.

All 22 Top Ten Innovators finalists were previous participants of the highly esteemed Shell LiveWire programme, which helps ambitious businesses bring about real growth impact.

Headquartered in Fort William, Energy Mutual’s co-founders Kyle Smith and Sam Gray joined the first Scottish cohort determined to upscale and develop the business. Since participating, they anticipate a revenue increase of 30% in 2025.

The Top Ten accolade recognised the impact of Energy Mutual’s software platform, designed to empower small-scale, distributed energy generators to effectively manage and monitor their renewable energy assets, maximising their performance.

Kyle Smith, Energy Mutual CEO, was delighted with the honour. He said: “We were amongst so many inspiring companies so didn’t really expect to be selected. We just get on with what we do day-to-day so it’s nice to receive that external recognition. Trying to build a software company is expensive and the prize will help us to invest in hiring another engineer this year.”

Anthony Harte, Head of Social Impact, Shell UK, said: “Huge congratulations to all those recognised in Top Ten Innovators, a celebration of the global achievements of Shell LiveWire participants. Through this programme, we are helping businesses that have the potential to shape the future of energy.

We understand the challenges of scaling innovative solutions in a complex market, and this programme is designed to equip ambitious businesses with the tools, connections, and strategic support they need to grow.”

Delivered by Scottish business support organisation, Elevator, the Shell LiveWire programme utilises the passion and knowledge of its facilitators as well as that of Shell and the vast network of wider experts the collaboration brings.

Rachel Ross, CEO of Elevator, said: “Energy Mutual is a prime example of the real impact Shell LiveWire can make on a business with true ambition to play its part in energy transition. Elevator is delighted to have helped in the growth of this exciting company. Massive congratulations to Sam, Kyle and their wider team for this fantastic recognition of their hard work and innovation.”

Other Scottish businesses – Fennex and DekMar – were recognised in the finals of the competition. Also in the Business Innovation category, Nassima Brown, is co-founder and strategy director of Fennex, based in Aberdeen, a digital tech innovator specialising in AI-powered, cloud-native platforms that redefine safety, efficiency and sustainability in offshore wind energy.

Derek Wiseman, managing director of DekMar Ltd, an Aberdeenshire-based company addressing the complex waste streams of fibres, nets, and ropes discarded by the fishing and marine industries, was recognised in the Environmental Sustainability category.

Shell LiveWire’s Top Ten Innovators winners’ event on Wednesday was hosted by Professor Gary McEwan, highly accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, and former CEO of Elevator.

Gary knows first-hand the benefits of the initiative after himself winning the Shell Livewire UK Entrepreneur of the Year title in 1993. The following year, he was presented with Shell Livewire’s Most Significant Growth award in recognition of his track record for business development in Scotland.

Applications are now open for the latest Scottish cohort of the Shell LiveWire programme. It is suitable for all ambitious businesses but those involved in the energy transition will particularly benefit from Shell’s network and expertise.

Business support organisation Elevator has once again been appointed to deliver the programme. Elevator has more than 20 years’ experience delivering business and economic support services through links with regional councils, Scottish and UK governments and a network of partners.

Last year, 29 firms – business owners, entrepreneurs and key decision makers – took part. Since joining the programme, the businesses have reported real, tangible successes, including the creation of over 50 jobs, a 34% average increase in turnover and 83% achieved new contracts / sales.

Applicants to the fully funded initiative must ensure they are making a positive contribution to the energy transition with their business model. This encompasses a wide variety of sectors, including Renewable Energy (solar, wind, hydrogen, biofuels), Sustainable Construction & Engineering (low-carbon materials, energy-efficient buildings), Green Transport & Logistics (EVs, hydrogen transport, sustainable supply chains), Business Services (consulting, software, investment for net-zero solutions), and Circular Economy & Waste Innovation (recycling, waste-to-energy, sustainable packaging).