Across the oil and gas sector, more than 2,700 startups are reshaping how the industry innovates. Backed by average funding rounds of USD 115.9 million, they’re driving progress in everything from AI and IoT to data analytics and automation. Yet, up to 70% of digital initiatives stall at the pilot stage, often due to structural and human challenges. To overcome these barriers, operators and startups need a space to meet, exchange ideas and build partnerships that work for both sides.
Oil & Gas Automation and Digitalisation Congress (AUTOMA) 2025 (13–14 October, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) offered exactly that. The Congress brought together energy majors, EPCs, tech providers and emerging startups for open, meaningful dialogue. The event’s closing panel highlighted how large companies are opening up to partnerships and how startups are addressing some of the sector’s most difficult operational and environmental challenges.
From safety to sustainability: Startups driving change
At that session, Dries van der Kleij, Sales Director EMEA–APAC at ALOXY, examined a longstanding safety problem: knowing the status of manual valves. Even in modern facilities, control rooms often do not have a clear view of whether valves are open or closed, creating risks of spills and accidents. ALOXY’s wireless valve position sensor changes that. It provides a simple, cost-effective way to monitor valve status remotely, already in use at BASF, Shell, TotalEnergies, Chevron and Dow. This approach leads to fewer incidents, less downtime and clearly shows how practical innovation can make a big difference.
Also featured at the panel, MEMSYS B.V. presented another technical barrier on the path to Industry 4.0: battery-dependent sensors. Hugo Romer (Chief Commercial Officer) showcased their self-powered IoT sensors, driven by environmental vibrations. These maintenance-free sensors reduce costs and safety risks, while supporting sustainability goals. For operators, it’s a smart, scalable solution for monitoring hard-to-reach locations safely and efficiently.
Balancing AI ambition with human expertise
Another key part of the discussion during the session focused on the role of AI in industrial processes. Sigifredo Nino, President at Summa Control Solutions Inc., offered a reality check on AI in distillation control. AI can boost productivity by analysing past data, but it can’t replace the insight and judgment of experienced engineers. Nino highlighted the risks of over-relying on AI without human oversight, emphasising that effective automation blends smart algorithms with expert decision-making. It’s a reminder that innovation and safety must go hand in hand.
Building bridges between corporates and startups
The panel concluded with a focus on effective collaborations of large companies and agile startups. Aref Boualwan, the vice president of Information Systems & Technology and CISO at Consolidated Contractors Company, brought the corporate perspective. He explained how organisations can overcome cultural and structural hurdles when collaborating with startups. His insights underline one of the key themes of AUTOMA: innovation happens fastest when established expertise meets fresh ideas.
From pilot to practice: Shaping the future of innovation
AUTOMA 2025 is more than a meeting point — it’s a space where collaboration is reshaping how the oil and gas sector drives progress. Through open dialogue, case studies and cross-industry partnerships, companies are learning to adopt agile solutions without sacrificing safety, sustainability or operational continuity.
That session on collaboration with startups shows that innovation isn’t confined to R&D labs; it thrives when expertise, technology and ambition come together. The outcome is real: improved efficiency, stronger risk management and more resilient operations. And this is just the beginning. AUTOMA looks forward to сontinuing this critical conversation next year, with a deeper focus on startup partnerships and end-user engagement. By fostering this ecosystem of shared knowledge and experimentation, the Congress is helping the industry move beyond pilots and toward solutions that really work in the field.
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