SEG EVOLVE Carbon Solutions is a six-month, mentorship-guided virtual internship experience designed for graduate-level students preparing to lead in carbon storage, CCUS, and environmental energy solutions.
Participants work in multidisciplinary teams to integrate subsurface, engineering, economic, regulatory, and ESG considerations into a defensible investment recommendation — mirroring real-world carbon storage project development.
About the Program
What is SEG EVOLVE Carbon Solutions?
SEG EVOLVE Carbon Solutions is an experiential learning program focused on real-world carbon storage challenges.
Teams integrate:
- Subsurface characterization
- Geomechanics and reservoir modeling
- Dynamic simulation
- Economics and business strategy
- Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations
The emphasis is not on memorizing facts — it is on learning to think critically, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions using incomplete and complex data.
Projects have no predefined answers. Students are expected to propose defensible solutions based on available information.
What Makes SEG EVOLVE Different?
SEG EVOLVE provides learning equivalent to the first three years of a professional career in energy and carbon solutions.
Participants:
- Work with limited, real-world datasets
- Present to senior technical and executive mentors
- Develop integrated technical and business recommendations
- Collaborate globally across cultures and disciplines
The program is collaborative, not competitive.
Successful participants are recognized on SEG’s Wall of Fame.
English is the working language of the program.
SEG EVOLVE is not a competition
Teams are encouraged to collaborate and engage with one another. Structured, critical feedback is provided by industry advisors and academic mentors throughout the program.
Eligibility & Team Requirements
Who can participate?
Teams typically consist of 6–9 individuals representing key disciplines and should primarily consist of graduate-level students.
Eligible participants include:
- Graduate students in geoscience, engineering, environmental science, or business
- Students with fewer than five years of industry experience
- Up to two final-year undergraduate students (with relevant subsurface experience)
Students should not participate simultaneously in SEG EVOLVE and the AAPG Imperial Barrel Award (IBA).
Is SEG membership required?
Yes. All team members must be active, paid SEG members before the program begins.
Limited funds are available to support membership fees for students from Emerging Nations.
To verify membership status:
- Log in to your SEG account
- Select “My Account”
- Confirm status is listed as Active and Student
If needed, email Member Services before the program begins.
Team Structure
Each team must include:
- One reservoir engineer (or qualified equivalent)
- At least one geologist
- One geophysicist or rock physicist
Suggested roles may include:
- Geophysicist
- Geologist
- Petrophysicist
- Rock Physicist
- Operations Geoscientist
- Reservoir Modeler
- Business Manager
- Facilities Engineer
- Team Leader Business
- Team Leader Engineering
- Team Leader Subsurface
- Faculty Advisor
Time & Commitment
SEG EVOLVE Carbon Solutions is an intensive six-month commitment.
Successful teams typically dedicate 10–30 hours per week depending on project phase.
Because mentor resources are limited, selection is both competitive and a recognition of excellence. Teams are expected to complete the program once accepted.
Program Structure
What are the key milestones?
While each project evolves differently, core milestones include:
- Kickoff Meeting (2–3 hours)
- Weekly Global Team Meetings
- Weekly Mentor Working Sessions
- Mid-Project Technical Presentation
- Final Investment Recommendation Presentation
- Conference-style Investor Presentation
Carbon Solutions – 2026 Timeline:
| Prework | Kick-Off Meeting | Mid-Project Presentation | Final Project Presentation | Investor Presentation & Poster |
| Early-Mid August | August (4th Week) | October (4th Week) | January (2nd Week) | January-March |
Software & Technical Requirements
What tools are required?
Teams will use professional multidisciplinary software platforms.
Participants are expected to:
- Have prior familiarity, or
- Commit additional time early in the program to build proficiency
SEG provides:
- Basecamp project management access
- Technical coordination
- Ongoing mentor support
Reliable high-speed internet is required. A wired connection is strongly recommended.
Cost & Fees
Is there a participation fee?
Yes. A US$50 team commitment fee is required for accepted teams.
Due Date: 15 December 2026
A very limited number of fee waivers may be granted based on demonstrated financial need.
SEG EVOLVE vs. AAPG Imperial Barrel Award (IBA)
SEG EVOLVE Carbon Solutions:
- Six-month immersive program
- Non-competitive, collaborative format
- Ongoing lectures, mentoring, and executive-style reviews
- Multidisciplinary carbon storage focus
IBA:
- Shorter-term competitive program
- Limited mentoring
- Single final presentation
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through SEG’s Grant Interface.
Carbon Solutions 2026–27:
- Application Deadline: April 2026
- Team Announcements: July 2026
Only one team member submits the application on behalf of the team. All members must be listed in the submission.
Take the Next Step Toward a Career in Carbon Solutions?
Join a global network of students, mentors, and industry professionals tackling real-world carbon storage challenges.
Have questions about the program or application process? Our team is here to help.
