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, hosted by EDP in Portugal, a leading Atlantic hub for energy innovation. Seven leading utility companies – CLP, EDP, E.ON, ESB, Hydro Québec, Origin Energy and PPC Group, and thirty of the most promising startups came together over four dynamic days to explore opportunities, spark collaborations and shape what’s next in the journey toward a net-zero future.

Day 1: Arriving in Lisbon, Lighting the Spark

Lisbon gave us a warm welcome and we hit the ground running. At EDP‘s headquarters, the Free Electrons 10th Edition Bootcamp opened with buzzing energy and the unmistakable excitement of a global community coming together in person.

Startups arriving from across the world got their first feel for the week ahead: meeting the team, understanding the program flow and beginning to map out the conversations they most wanted to have. But more than anything, Day 1 was about starting connections.
The evening brought everyone together for the program’s official opening – a first opportunity to kick off meaningful exchanges, get a sense of who was in the room and begin to imagine what the week could bring.


Day 2: Challenges Shared, Solutions Unleashed at Maat Central

Fresh from first connections, participants turned their attention to the challenges at hand. The group moved to Maat Central for the program’s most intensive day – a full calendar of reverse pitches, startup presentations and the first direct conversations between utilities and startups.

The morning began with Utility Reverse Pitches, offering direct insight into the most pressing priorities across the group and where they are actively seeking innovation. From grid flexibility and digitalisation to electrification and customer-focused solutions, the message was loud and clear: collaboration is not a buzzword but a necessity.

Startups then stepped into the spotlight, presenting their solutions across three tightly packed pitch rounds. Bold and practical technologies were showcased – from AI-powered analytics and asset performance management to demand flexibility platforms and next-generation storage systems. EDP‘s host session offered an additional window into their strategic priorities and the innovation areas they are tackling head-on. By the time the final pitch wrapped, the energy in the room was unmistakable.

The day closed with a standout moment: the Utility <> Startup Speed Dating – fourteen fast-paced slots that gave both sides an early, direct read on potential fit. First impressions became first conversations, and the stage was well and truly set.


Day 3 and 4: Deep Dives and Dialogue at Palácio de Tancos

The Bootcamp moved to Palácio de Tancos for its most hands-on phase – two full days of one-on-one meetings between startups and utilities. Across fifteen structured sessions, these conversations created space for use case exploration, early pilot thinking and the kind of focused dialogue that moves things forward.

Day 3 also brought an Alumni Session – an opportunity to hear directly from startups that have walked the Free Electrons path before. Their experiences, candid reflections and lessons from the field gave the new cohort something no pitch deck can provide: real perspective from people who have had the same conversations and come out the other side with genuine partnerships to show for it.

Amid the back-to-back meetings, energiser moments and informal chats helped sustain the pace and spark unexpected insights. Startups also joined tailored debriefs to consolidate what they had heard and refine their next steps.

As the program wrapped on Day 4, both sides came together to share key takeaways, align on follow-ups and mark a week filled with meaningful dialogue and real momentum.

Looking Ahead

As the Bootcamp came to a close, the energy in the room was anything but winding down. With conversations still unfolding and next steps already in motion, it was clear that this was just the beginning.

Fifteen startups will now advance to the Master Module, where they’ll reconnect with utility partners to dive deeper into collaboration opportunities, sharpen pilot proposals and continue building momentum on a global stage.

For all participants, Bootcamp marked a pivotal step – one filled with clarity, connection and the kind of focus that drives real outcomes. Ten years in, the Free Electrons program has never felt more relevant.

The journey continues – and it’s only getting more exciting from here.