WELCOME TO FREE ELECTRONS

Connecting startups with world leading energy utilities

Applications for the 10th edition are closing soon.

Get early access to updates, timelines, and program details –
and start connecting with leading energy utilities.

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DAYS LEFT

APPLY BEFORE DECEMBER, 21ST, 2025 AND GET THESE EXCLUSIVE PERKS:

  • Report with detailed challenges and pain points of utilities

  • Startup profiles shared with utilities' VC arms

  • Chance to be selected to feature on the Free Electrons newsletter

FREE ELECTRONS 10TH EDITION

The ultimate Open Innovation Program

For the past decade, Free Electrons has brought together startups, utilities, and ecosystem partners to co-create the future of energy. This milestone celebrates a decade of innovation and collaboration while marking the start of a new chapter in our shared journey to advance the energy transition. Through Free Electrons, startups and leading global utilities join forces to pilot breakthrough solutions, scale technologies through commercial deployment, unlock investment opportunities, and accelerate collective learning and growth.

our impact

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markets reached

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pilots delivered

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invested in deployments

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generated value

OUR OFFER

Why Startups Choose Free Electrons

Work with leading utilities to validate ideas and unlock real market opportunities.

The program includes a series of modules held across the globe (physically and digitally), where startups have direct access to global Utilities, local accelerators and experts to refine and test their solution and explore options to jump-start their company’s growth.

Each module is structured to facilitate ongoing conversations between startups and utilities to refine value propositions, seed pilot projects, and explore investment opportunities.

Free Electrons offers the chance for startups to:

Test Solutions

Test Solutions

Validate your technology with global leading utility partners.

Develop Pilots

Develop Pilots

Co-create viable pilot projects directly with utilities to prove market readiness.

Receive Feedback

Receive Feedback

Gain actionable insights from experts to strengthen your solution and business model.

Access Global Markets

Access Global Markets

Showcase your solution across the leading energy hubs worldwide.

Build Relationships

Build Relationships

Build long lasting connections with utility partners and startup peers.

Expand Networks

Expand Networks

Engage with local and global innovation ecosystems to open new doors for growth.

Secure deals and Investment

Secure deals and Investment

Showcase your solution to utilities and investors with over $23M USD in deals to date.

Work with Open Innovation Experts

Work with Open Innovation Experts

Shape your collaboration strategy alongside our experienced innovation team.

Access Mentors and Specialists

Access Mentors and Specialists

Receive tailored guidance from a global pool of mentors and technical experts.

NEWS

latest news and updates

June 30, 2026
Utilities
From classic acceleration to a business development focus: How the Utility-Startup Relationship Has Matured Over 10 Editions
Ten years ago, the relationship between utilities and startups looked very different from what it is today. At that time, the primary challenge was ...
Read more
June 25, 2026
Program Modules
Recap of the Free Electrons 10th Edition Bootcamp in Lisbon
The vibrant city of Lisbon set the scene for a landmark week of energy innovation at the Free Electrons 2026 Bootcamp – the program’s 10th edition, ...
Read more
May 28, 2026
Utilities
Hydro-Québec: with a Research Centre like that, why would you get into Free Electrons?
Hydro-Québec, a 99% renewables-based and vertically integrated power utility, runs Canada’s most extensive fleet of hydro-electric power stations and ...
Read more
May 14, 2026
Utilities
How a 10-Year-Old Programme Helps a 125-Year-Old Utility Stay Young
This year, CLP celebrates our 125th anniversary, while Free Electrons marks its first decade. Pausing to reflect on both milestones made me ask a ...
Read more
April 30, 2026
Startups
Introducing the Free Electrons 2026 Top 60 Startups
Free Electrons has reached its first major milestone, with 60 startups selected to take part in the Pitch Event. Following weeks of evaluation and ...
Read more
April 21, 2026
Utilities
The Role of Energy Utilities in the Age of AI
What began as a mission to connect global utilities with the world’s most value-adding energy-tech startups has evolved into an engine for the global ...
Read more
Explore all news and announcements
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