Pitch session (defense of the projects of teams –participants of the Virtual Academy in the framework of the International Acceleration Program “Natural Gas & Accelerator”)

On 7-31 July 2025, the Virtual Academy was held within the framework of the International Acceleration Program “Natural Gas & Accelerator” (Youth Day of SPGF), combining the educational and project tracks of the NG&Accelerator program. Over the course of four weeks, participants attended webinars from experts – representatives of large energy and IT companies, and also developed projects under the guidance of experienced trackers.

The project work involved 12 teams (60 students and young researchers from 17 countries and 25 universities). As part of the project defense held on 31 July 2025, the teams presented their ideas for the development of the energy industry.

The project defense was held in the format of a pitch session. Each team took turns making a short presentation reflecting the project concept, research methodology, innovative solutions, stakeholder analysis, project roadmap, etc. At the end of each presentation, the jury members (experts from Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, Comita Digital Technologies, Gazprom VNIIGAZ) asked the teams questions and gave useful comments.

Following the defense, experts voted for the best projects, which were selected for further development. Representatives of the seven winning teams were invited to participate in the Youth Day of St. Petersburg International Gas Forum, which will be held on 7-10 October 2025 in St. Petersburg. Young people (40 participants) represent 20 universities and 12 countries: Russia, Belarus, Bolivia, Vietnam, Zambia, India, Iran, China, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Serbia, Tanzania.

Until the end of September, the teams will continue to work in more detail on their projects for their subsequent presentation at the Youth Day of SPIGF, where, based on the results of the jury’s assessment, one team will be chosen and awarded. Their project may possibly get further support.

A rich program is being prepared for the participants of the Youth Day of SPIGF. It will include workshops from industry experts, off-tie meeting with the heads of energy companies, participation in SPIGF Plenary Session and exhibition, a cultural and entertainment program, etc.

List of projects (implemented in English):

Team 1 – Graphene from Natural Gas – WINNER

Team 2 – Cold Plasma Method for Methane Decomposition at Oil and Gas Production Sites – WINNER

Team 3 – Green Gas for Green Growth: Biogas Production Using Miscanthus for the Gasification

Team 4 – Real-time digital twin of a gas facility – WINNER

Team 5 – OIL&GAS 4.0

Team 6 – Next Generation Pipeline Integrity: Extending Lifespan in Harsh Climate with Smart Material and Predictive AI – WINNER

Team 7 – Hydrogen Integration in Process Industry: Technological, Economics & Sustainability Assessment

Team 8 – AI for Production Controlling and Planning: Revolutionizing Industrial Efficiency – WINNER

Team 9 – Offshore Project on the Arctic Continental Shelf

Team 10 – GASIGHT: AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance and Optimisation for Gas Infrastructure – WINNER

Team 11 – Making the Case for an Industrial Shift Towards DME – WINNER

Team 12 – Comprehensive continuous training system TwinSafe Gas Trainer for the Gas Industry