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Category: Free Electrons

15 Startups, 15 Stories: Breakthroughs Defining 2025

Three modules and a whole lot of momentum – Free Electrons 2025 has already been a whirlwind. From the Online Pitch in Montreal, where sparks of collaboration first flew, to the Bootcamp in Sydney, and the Master Module in Hong Kong where pilots started to take shape, this year’s journey has been packed with breakthroughs.   […]

Shaping the Future of Energy: Free Electrons Master Module 2025 Recap from Hong Kong

This July, the Free Electrons community came together once again – this time for the Master Module hosted by CLP. After months of building connections, the Top 15 startups selected from this year’s Bootcamp reunited with utility partners for four intensive days focused on deepening collaboration, accelerating pilot discussions and aligning on shared goals for […]

Powering Connections: Recap of the Free Electrons Bootcamp in Sydney

The vibrant city of Sydney set the scene for a week of bold energy innovation at the Free Electrons 2025 Bootcamp, hosted by Origin Energy. Seven leading utility companies – CLP, EDP, E.ON, ESB, Hydro Québec, Jera and Origin Energy, and thirty of the most promising startups came together over four dynamic days to explore […]

Unlocking the Potential of Connectivity and Sensors in the Energy Future

A Closer Look at the Impact of Connectivity and Sensor Technologies on the Energy Sector  Every second, terabytes of energy data go unused. Power lines stretch for thousands of miles, substations operate around the clock and renewable assets feed into grids but, without real-time intelligence, inefficiencies remain hidden, outages strike unexpectedly, and energy waste continues […]

Beyond Electric Vehicles: How E-Mobility and Electrification are Shaping a Sustainable Future

A Closer Look into the Tangible Aspects of E-Mobility and Electrification in the Energy Sector  As the world grapples with the dual challenge of combating climate change and reducing fossil fuel reliance, e-mobility and electrification are emerging as critical drivers of the next generation of energy innovation. While electric vehicles (EVs) are the most visible […]

Scaling through Partnerships with Secure Meters

Secure Meters, a global leader in energy management solutions, has been driving innovation across the energy sector. In 2021, the company strengthened its portfolio by merging with Adaptricity, a Swiss-based pioneer in grid planning and analytics software. This collaboration combined Secure Meters’ hardware expertise with Adaptricity’s software capabilities, paving the way for advanced energy solutions.  […]

What Makes Free Electrons Unique?

Free Electrons: The Global Nexus for Energy Innovation  In an industry as demanding as energy, innovation is not a luxury, it is a necessity. True innovation emerges when bold ideas are connected to the right partners, scaled rapidly, and create a ripple effect that transforms industries.  This is where Free Electrons excels. To date, the […]

Debunking the Myth: Am I Ready?

For startups, the question of readiness often creates hesitation when exploring growth opportunities. Concerns about product maturity, limited resources, competition, and participation can prevent startups from seizing valuable chances. The Free Electrons program is designed to help you overcome these barriers and accelerate your development in the global energy landscape.     Common barriers that startups […]

Beyond Cost Savings: How Energy Efficiency is Shaping a Sustainable Future

A Closer Look into the Tangible Impacts of EME in the Energy Sector  Energy management efficiency (EME) has become a central theme in the energy sector due to the convergence of several global challenges such as climate change, rising energy demand, resource scarcity, the need for energy security, and, most importantly, the need for sustainable […]

Accelerating Innovation with Global Energy Leaders

Powering Innovation Through Global Synergy  In an ever-evolving energy sector, the push for innovation has never been more critical. The need to transition toward sustainable energy solutions requires not only fresh ideas but also the ability to scale and implement them on a global level. However, for startups that aim to disrupt the energy landscape, […]

Introducing the Categories for Free Electrons 2025

As the energy landscape evolves, Free Electrons is committed to leading the change in industry innovation. In 2025, we are introducing new categories that address the most pressing challenges and opportunities within the energy sector. These categories are designed to serve as pivotal focal points for startups and utilities to collaborate and work together as […]

Meet the 2024 Startup of the Year – reLi Energy

reLi Energy has been selected as the Startup of the Year of Free Electrons 2024, recognised for its innovative approach to revolutionising battery recycling. Co-founded by Laura Laringe and a team of innovators, reLi Energy is transforming waste into valuable, sustainable energy solutions, addressing one of the most critical challenges in the energy sector. After […]

Catching up with Toby Ferenczi, Co-Founder of Granular Energy

What changed since being selected 2023 “Startup of the Year”  Granular Energy, a key innovator in reshaping the future of renewable energy, is on a mission to revolutionise how consumers access clean energy. Their platform brings transparency to energy sourcing by enabling businesses and individuals to trace not only where their energy comes from but […]

Transitioning to Intelligent Energy Systems

As the world accelerates its transition to sustainable energy, the demand for more efficient, reliable, and intelligent energy systems is greater than ever. Central to this transformation are solutions incorporating asset performance management (APM) and condition monitoring technologies, which are seriously taking a step in the fast-paced world of industries today.     According to McKinsey research […]

The Future of Clean Energy Innovation

Next-Generation Clean Energy and Its Importance  Next-generation clean energy refers to innovative technologies and approaches that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. These include renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and advanced battery storage systems, as well as innovative energy management solutions. The importance of next-generation clean energy in the global […]

Master Module Recap: Taking Innovation to the Next Level

In July, Montreal buzzed with innovation as it hosted the Free Electrons 2024 Master Module. The event brought together top startups and leading utilities to shape the future of energy. Check our sneak peek of what participants got to experience during the Master Module.   Day 1: Setup and Synergies   There is always excitement and anticipation […]

Meet the Top 15 Startups Advancing to Free Electrons 2024 Master Module

Excitement is in the air at Free Electrons as we announce the top 15 startups moving forward to the 2024 Master Module. This year’s selection process was more competitive than ever, reflecting the incredible talent and innovative solutions our participants brought to the table during our Bootcamp in Madrid.   The Journey So Far  After the […]

Igniting Innovation: Recap of the Free Electrons Bootcamp in Madrid

The vibrant city of Madrid recently played host to the Free Electrons Bootcamp, where the world’s most promising energy startups and leading utility companies came together over three dynamic days to explore, connect, and lay the groundwork for future energy solutions. Day 1: Setting the Stage The Bootcamp kicked off with enthusiasm as startups and […]

Welcome to Free Electrons 2023

If we have to say one thing about innovation in energy is that it keeps flowing. And fortunately, 2023 is no exception: this year will be hosting a brand new edition of Free Electrons. Take a closer look at how startups will work alongside leading energy utilities from around the globe to deliver cutting edge […]

Wrapping up with the best energy – Free Electrons 2022 Finale

Reaching the final event of each Free Electrons edition is always a very intense and rewarding experience. After two years of purely online meetings and events, this year’s startups and utilities gathered in São Paulo for an intense week filled with both work and play. Collaborating towards the Future of Energy: a continuous work This […]

The Grand Finale 2022 – Meet the Host: EDP

It’s already October, which means that this year’s edition of Free Electrons is approaching its final event. 2022 has brought both new energy and new challenges to the global energy industry, and this year the world’s most promising startups partner with some of the largest utilities to design the future of energy. EDP is present […]

The Master Module 2022: A story of reunion and collaboration

Who knew that three days could elicit so much innovation? Free Electrons knew! The 2022 cohort had the chance to meet in person to kick-off effective collaborations between Utilities and the 15 selected startups. Hosted by American Electric Power, the Master Module was held in Chicago, from July 26 to July 28. Meeting point: AEP […]

Free Electrons 2022 is taking off with the Top 15 startups selected

It’s the 6th edition, and with a of a strong history of over 3500 applications from startups all over the world, Free Electrons has executed USD $20million in pilot projects, $30million in deployments and $30million in direct investment, and growing: In 2022, Free Electrons continues Powering the Future of Energy, with leading energy utilities working […]

9 Reasons for your Startup to Apply

Free Electrons 2022 is here. 9 reasons for your Startup to Apply: 1. You’ll be giving your business a chance to grow & evolve in a unique way Free Electrons is an opportunity for startups to validate and fine-tune business value propositions with a dedicated community of experts. Testing solutions, gaining new insights, growing & […]

Free Electrons 2021 is coming to an end… Now what?

Well, to tell you the truth, Free Electrons is never actually over. For you, the selected startups, this means you will always be part of a community in the energy sector: the Free Electrons family. However, for the immediate future, where you’ll no longer be participating in the 2021 edition sessions, here are some tips […]

Free Electrons 2021 has elected this edition’s winners

At the end of each edition, Free Electrons traditionally announces two awards: the winner startup and the Shin Akimoto individual award. This is always an exhilarating moment, and this year’s Grand Finale was no exception: Free Electrons 2021 Winner We’re thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s edition and $200,000 USD reward: KelTech IoT. […]

Tips & Tricks: Collaboration is on!

Startups and utilities are about to enter the piloting phase, they will refine strategies, address obstacles and start working more closely together. Here are some collaboration tips for startups which will assist with making the most out of collaboration time with utilities (during and outside of the program). 1. Successful collaboration is 70% emotional and […]

Top 15 Startup Selection: who’s moving on

Free Electrons Bootcamp 2021 has come to a close. 35 startups met with our world-leading Utilities during four intensive days of exploration and networking, with key focus on evaluating mutual fit to collaborate and work together.   But only a few can move forward in the program, and the top 15 of the 2021 edition […]

The Bootcamp is here!

As Free Electrons Bootcamp approaches, curiosity grows to know who will be its participants. Fortunately, we have already selected this year’s Bootcamp participants. Selected startups will showcase their solutions and their teams through a fast-paced pitch event and participate in intense one-on-one meetings with utilities. These are the Bootcamp selected:    Apollo Power | Israel […]

Tips & Tricks: 1:1 meetings & filming.

Meeting screen to screen: be prepared. The Free Electrons 2021 Bootcamp is arriving and, with it, several 1:1 meetings between the utilities and the selected startups. For you, startups, that are about to meet with your dream utility or will need to record the perfect pitch for the future, here a few tips that can […]

Tips & Tricks: How is your pitch today?

Applications for Free Electrons are officially closed (until next year of course). For those taking part in this year’s program, now is the time for us to learn more about you at the all-important pitch events. So, let’s talk pitching… There is power in a great pitch (pun intended), and it is no secret that […]

Meet the Free Electrons 2020 Winner: Vyntelligence

The 2020 edition of Free Electrons has been the most unusual so far. So it comes as no big surprise that the winner of this year fits so well with this changing environment. In a few words, Vyntelligence delivers augmented intelligence, with the purpose of “simplifying work & life to create more time for health, […]

Free Electrons 20 Digital Module 1

It’s been a few weeks since the completion of Module 1, 2020 and we can still feel those ‘Aussie’ vibes! Let’s take a look back on our M1 journey.

Free Electrons supports our communities

Module 1 is here. While we are incredibly excited for the connections, discussions, and innovative concepts we will be exploring through virtual Free Electrons, it would be amiss for us not to take a moment to acknowledge the transformative global events that society has endured in 2020. The world’s circumstances at an environmental and humanitarian […]

Collaborating in Research and Education

Free Electrons has been the focus of a large-scale research project led by Steve Comello (Stanford Graduate School of Business) and Ann-Kristin Zobel (formerly ETH Zurich, now University of St.Gallen) for several years. Now – in addition to providing a rich set of insights at the intersection of open innovation and the energy industry – […]

Free Electrons 2020, Module 1

It’s time for Free Electrons Module 1 in Sydney, Australia, but not as you know it! After an exciting and successful digital bootcamp, Free Electrons is getting ready for Module 1. The current environment shaped by the COVID-19 virus urges caution and demands creativity. Travel restrictions remain in place, together with social distancing in a […]

Free Electrons 20 Digital Bootcamp 2

Already missing the incredible energy at the bootcamp? We certainly are! Check out the #FEDigitalBootcamp video here. An unforgettable experience for everyone!

Free Electrons 20 Journey

Free Electrons is the most dynamic startup program in the energy sector – worldwide. Following the #FEDigitalBootcamp, the selected startups will “travel the globe”, matching solutions with concrete challenges and refining the scope of potential pilot projects. It will be intense but amazing!

Free Electrons goes Digital!

Virtual is a reality – if you’ve been watching the news (and even if you haven’t) you are probably aware of the impacts COVID19 is having on the world. In addition to the impacts on health, the virus is causing changes all throughout society – slowing down economic growth, shaking stock markets and confusing consumption […]

Free Electrons digital bootcamp: meet the startups

With application numbers soaring and new ideas flowing in, the 2020 review process was full of excitement – meet the incredible startups that will be part of the Free Electrons 2020 Bootcamp 75F Allume Amply Power BluWave-ai Chargetrip Disruptive Technologies Enerbrain energyX Solutions Inc. FlexiDAO FLITE Material Sciences Corporation fos4X – rotor blade sensing Future […]

Free Electrons 2020: Applications Open

After three editions disrupting the energy sector, Free Electrons comes for a second edition in 2020 – and applications are already open. Free Electrons has been successfully presenting the most innovative startups to a consortium of 10 global utilities.  American Electric Power, AusNet Services, CLP, DEWA, ESB, EDP, innogy SE, Origin Energy, SP Group and […]

Free Electrons 2019 Final Stop: Lisbon

About to complete its third edition, the program will kick off the Module 3 on September 16, in Lisbon – welcome to all the participants! Free Electrons is the first global energy startup accelerator program created to connect the world’s most promising energy startups with leading utility companies. Free Electrons is a unique opportunity to […]

Third Time’s A (Power) Charm

This is arguably the most exciting Open Innovation Program for the Energy industry in the world. Free Electrons, now in its third edition, has conquered the reputation of contributing to significant advancements in the Energy industry and boosting the growth of the startups that participate in this global program. Make no mistake, Free Electrons has […]

Discover the 15 startups joining the piloting phase

Free Electrons, the first global energy startup accelerator program, that connects the world’s most promising energy startups with leading utility companies, just selected the 15 teams that will now join the piloting phase program, after the Bootcamp. Bootcamp The Bootcamp week is a critical part of the success of the program, and this year was […]

Here Are The Top Startups Joining Free Electrons Bootcamp

Free Electrons, the first energy global accelerator is ready to kick off its Bootcamp phase. In total, the program received 481 applications, from 62 different countries, a ‘spread’ that talks volumes about the international reach of the program. The program only had a 10% repeat rate, and that means 90% of the startups we attracted […]

Free Electrons reinforces global positioning

Global Energy Startup Accelerator closes applications and attracts close to 500 startups, with 90% new entries Applications for Free Electrons 2019, the first global energy startup accelerator program that connects the world’s brightest startups in the Energy scene with leading utility companies, just closed. In total, the program received 481 applications, from 62 different countries, […]

Free Electrons 2019 opens applications

Applications for Free Electrons, the first global energy startup accelerator program that connects the world’s most promising energy startup companies with leading utility companies, just opened, and will last until the 22nd of February. Free Electrons is a truly global program, focused on deal facilitation and pilot-driven, and the goal in the application stage is […]

Free Electrons impact grows with more Pilots/Deals between Utilities & Startups

ME SOLshare wins Free Electrons 2018 ‘Best Energy Startup’ Award Free Electrons, the global energy accelerator program that connects the world’s most promising startups with leading utilities around the world, has wrapped up the 2018 program with an impressive total of 43 pilots, in less than 7 months. The total value of new contracts for […]

Preview Module 3: Berlin

Free Electrons had an amazing module 2 in Silicon Valley where both utilities and startups focused on growing the pilot base and fostering cooperation between them. The program is already delivering its first results this year: the first pilot project was fully completed within 8 weeks of the initial bootcamp. Also, one of the startups […]

28 pilots already launched between Startups and Utilities

Free Electrons, the first global energy accelerator program that connects the world’s most promising startups with leading utilities around the world, has wrapped up its second module with an impressive total of 28 running pilots with a final module in Berlin to go. The program kicked off its 2018 edition with a successful Bootcamp in […]

Preview Module 2: Silicon Valley

After the Bootcamp in Lisbon, the Module 1 in Sidney/Melbourne, where we kick-off 15 pilots between the startups and the utilities, it’s time for the Module 2 in Silicon Valley. A Module mainly focused on growth and learning. This is the Module for both startups and utilities to speak face to face after the first […]

Hong Kong’s leading energy investor CLP joins Free Electrons in Sydney-Melbourne Module 1

Hong Kong’s leading energy investor CLP joins Free Electrons in Sydney-Melbourne Module 1 – Free Electrons, the first global energy startup accelerator program that connects the world’s most promising energy startup companies with leading utility companies, is pleased to announce that CLP Holdings Ltd. is also joining this innovation platform. CLP operates a diversified portfolio […]

Meet the 15 Startups that are in Module 1 in Australia

During the Bootcamp we’ve had the opportunity to speak a little bit with the startups about their worst moments – some of them never had bad moments -, what they do and how’s that going to change the world. Making a difference in the world and leave a better world for the next generations is […]

15 startups will now join the Global Energy Program

– Free Electrons, the first global energy startup accelerator program, that connects the world’s most promising energy startups with leading utility companies, just selected the 15 teams that will now join the acceleration program. The United States, with 3 startups, Portugal and the United Kingdom with 2 each, are the biggest contributors to the final […]

And the 30 startups chosen for the Free Electrons Bootcamp are…

After evaluating hundreds of startups the utilities have reached a verdict. The 30 startups coming to the Free Electrons bootcamp next week (from 3-6 April) in Lisbon, are chosen and now it’s time to reveal them to the world. Among the 30 there are startups from different countries and focused on different areas. Both the […]

Free Electrons: A Fast Lane For Business-To-Business

A lot as been said about Free Electrons, that’s an unique opportunity for energy startups, that eight giant utilities can change the life of those who apply to the program and that the winner is winning USD200,000. All of it true but there’s more to it. There’s a “behind the scenes” that normally people don’t […]

In Free Electrons Like In Life: It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish

When Rui Beon won Free Electrons last year he made an emotional speech that he claims “rarely happens”. He wasn’t expecting, this wasn’t an Oscar night where the winners already know they’re going to win because they’ve won everything during the award season. This was the first edition of Free Electrons. None of the startups […]

Free Electrons: Second Edition kicks-off in Silicon Valley

Program will include three international modules held across the globe The second edition of the Free Electrons Global Accelerator kicked-off this week, in Palo Alto. This moment was an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and discuss final details on structure and management. The program will be divided into 3 acceleration modules, of roughly […]

Free Electrons Launches Second Edition of Its Global Startup Acceleration Program

Free Electrons today announced the launch of the second edition of its global startup acceleration program to recruit energy startups that will drive the next generation of ideas in clean energy, energy efficiency, e-mobility, digitization, and on-demand customer services. Startups chosen for Free Electrons participate in four separate week-long acceleration modules in San Francisco and […]

Free Electrons Grand Finale Showdown in Singapore

Final Leg of the Program Ends with $175,000 Grand Prize and Deals The Free Electrons Global Accelerator hosted its third and final module in Singapore concluding a three-part series aimed to facilitate deal-making between twelve international energy startups and eight utilities. The six month program resulted in 17 signed commercial agreements totaling $1.6 million and […]

Innovation program extraordinaire joins Free Electrons team in Singapore

  Free Electrons is incredibly excited to announce our newest accelerator partner, Nest, a unique accelerator specializing in corporate-backed innovation programs headquartered in Hong Kong with offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Nairobi, Paris and London. Nest’s global reach and programs have contributed to more than 17 investments across 10 industries and 68 startups who collectively […]