Now celebrating its 10th edition, Free Electrons continues to advance the global energy transition by connecting the world’s leading utilities – including CLP, EDP, E.ON, ESB, Hydro-Québec and Origin Energy – with high-potential startups from around the globe.
But innovation at this scale is never achieved alone – it’s built through strong collaboration.
That’s why Free Electrons has built a strong network of Ecosystem Partners: organisations that share our vision, extend our reach and amplify our ability to connect innovators across continents. These partners bridge the gap between ideas and implementation while ensuring that each edition of the program drives new opportunities for growth, scale and deployment.
Why the Ecosystem Matters
Innovation thrives where collaboration happens. For startups it means access to the right networks, funding, and opportunities to validate their technology within operational environments. For utilities, it means access to a pipeline of high-impact technologies that can accelerate progress toward decarbonization and digitalisation goals.
Our Ecosystem Partners help make these connections possible – identifying, supporting, and empowering the next generation of energy innovators across the globe.
Meet the Free Electrons Ecosystem Partners
EnergyLab
EnergyLab is Australia’s largest climate-tech startup accelerator, helping entrepreneurs build a sustainable energy future through mentorship, investment and acceleration programs. Its partnership with Free Electrons strengthens the program’s presence in Asia-Pacific, connecting local innovators with global utilities driving the clean-energy shift.
Innovate UK
Innovate UK is the United Kingdom’s national innovation agency, supporting business-led innovation across all sectors and technologies. Through funding, partnerships and access to expert networks, Innovate UK helps businesses turn cutting-edge ideas into commercial success.
As a Free Electrons Ecosystem Partner, Innovate UK connects the program to one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation communities, enabling startups to access global collaboration and scale new technologies faster.
Start Up Energy Transition, powered by DENA
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is a leading international platform for advancing innovation in the energy transition. Through the annual SET Award and SET Tech Festival, it connects entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors committed to accelerating the shift towards a sustainable energy system.
DENA, as Germany’s national competence centre for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart systems, provides the institutional foundation and international networks that make SET a key connector in the global energy landscape.
Through this partnership, Free Electrons strengthens its link to one of the most established international ecosystems for clean-energy innovation – creating pathways for startups to join visibility, recognition and access to collaboration with utilities around the world.
T-Hub
T-Hub, headquartered in Hyderabad, India, is among the world’s largest innovation ecosystems, bridging startups, corporates, investors and academia. Focused on deep-tech and clean-tech innovation, T-Hub supports entrepreneurs in transforming emerging technologies into scalable business solutions.
As a Free Electrons Ecosystem Partner, T-Hub opens doors to the Asian innovation landscape – facilitating the exchange of ideas, expertise and collaboration opportunities between startups and global utilities seeking solutions for rapidly growing markets.
Shaping the Next Chapter of Collaboration
For nearly a decade, Free Electrons has shown that collaboration can move entire industries forward.
With more than 280 pilots launched and over $123 million invested in commercial opportunities, the program has become a catalyst for technologies that scale and partnerships that endure.
As we enter the 10th edition, this ecosystem of startups, utilities, and global partners continues to expand – driving innovation from testing grounds to global deployment.
Applications for Free Electrons 2026 are now open – inviting startups to join a program where collaboration translates into measurable impact and long-term growth.
