EDP welcomes Free Electrons. It seeks startups focused on energy transition

  • ECO News
  • 11 April 2022

Applications for Free Electrons' sixth edition have already started. Startups can apply online until April 18.

EDP and six other global energy companies are looking for startups that can contribute to a more sustainable and innovative planet. Applications for the 6th edition of Free Electrons have already begun. Startups can apply online until April 18.

Startups with “solutions or products that can impact the energy transition, in areas such as renewable energy, smart grids, energy management, sustainable mobility, energy storage, flexibility, green hydrogen or decarbonisation,” informs EDP.

The technological priorities involve artificial intelligence, advanced software, internet of things, blockchain, automation robotics, cybersecurity, AR/VR and 3D/4D printing, the electric company further states.

Along with EDP, American Electric Power (USA), CLP (Hong Kong, China), E. ON (Germany), ESB – Electricity Supply Board (Ireland) and Origin Energy (Australia) are part of the global consortium. The management support is from the innovation consultancy Beta-i.

In this edition, the working modules between the chosen startups and the utilities will return to a face-to-face format, starting in June.

After three phases, this edition’s final will be organised by EDP in October in the city of São Paulo, one of the places where the company has most developed its open innovation strategy. It is the first time that a Free Electrons module is held in Brazil.

The candidates chosen for this year’s edition will have access to the various business units of the EDP group, which is present in 28 markets, and to specialised teams with which to test their solutions.

Last year’s winner was Ireland-based KelTechIoT, which won the €200,000 FreeElectrons prize with a solution for intelligent buildings. In 2020, it was Vyntelligence that won the competition, with a smartvideo and artificial intelligence solution, to win the innovation programme.

In five years, EDP has already invested over €37 million in pilot projects, investments and businesses.