Be part of the clean energy transition with Free Electrons

Free Electrons is the world’s largest open innovation program designed to bring disruptive energy solutions to market.

Selected startups will work alongside leading energy utilities to deliver innovative solutions that advance the energy transition. Participants will gather globally, engaging in both in-person and virtual modules, designed to fast-track their progress.

The program provides an accelerated path for startups to develop and scale their businesses, pilot solutions and access potential investment opportunities.

Connect with us today: CLP, EDP, E.ON, ESB, Hydro QuebecJERA Co, Origin Energy

Check out previous program participants here

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Program Overview

  • Worldwide icon image

    Worldwide

    Closing January 24th 2025

    A Global Program with Global Ambitions
    Join Free Electrons partners CLP, EDP, E.ON, ESB, Hydro Quebec, JERA and Origin Energy,  as we set out to change the future of energy. Applications are OPEN 18th October 2024 – January 24th 2025

     

  • Virtual icon image

    Virtual

    w/c March 10th 2025

    Selected startups will showcase their solutions and their teams through a fast-paced Pitch Event. In the weeks following utilities and startups will meet one on one to discuss fit for potential pilots. Startups moving forward in the program will be announced in April 2025.

    Post Pitch Event:

    Preliminary discussions, determining best fit, pilot and project scoping

  • Origin Energy, Australia icon image

    Origin Energy, Australia

    w/c May 19th 2025

    The Bootcamp prioritises further understanding startup solutions with a focus matching solutions with concrete challenges. Participants work together to outline a collaborative roadmap for potential pilots/projects between startup and utility. Through further one-on-one meetings, project scope commences. The closing of the Bootcamp will see successful startups go on to participate in the remaining modules.

    Post Bootcamp:
    Preliminary discussions, define roadmaps, pilot and project scoping

  • CLP, Hong Kong icon image

    CLP, Hong Kong

    w/c July 7th 2025

    The Master Module focuses on working with industry experts and learning from successful case studies. Participants will be given insight into the utility piloting process, advice on pitching to corporates, and explore the inner workings of large corporations.

    Post Master Module:
    Refine pilot scope, meet with relevant business units, explore startup-to-startup opportunities with collaborative innovation consultants Beta-i.

  • ESB, Ireland icon image

    ESB, Ireland

    w/c October 13th 2025

    The Final Module focuses on firming up negotiations and defining projects for scaling and growth prospects. This is not the end – opportunities will continue to be developed outside of this module.

    Participate in an Open Day before the Free Electrons consortium, VC’s, guests and representatives of the local innovation ecosystem.

Why Apply?

Jumpstart your technology with Free Electrons

The program includes a series of modules held across the globe (physically and digitally), where startups work closely with The Utility Partners, local accelerators and mentors to refine their company’s solution and explore options to jumpstart their solution’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 your solution and identify product market fit with experts and mentors in the energy sector

  • Gain Insight

    Receive training & support, and attend sponsored travel events throughout the program

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Tackling the World’s Energy Problems

We envision a future where smart, clean and accessible energy will transform every aspect of our lives and we’d like to join forces with startups to make this happen.

Free Electrons aims to address specific key challenges in the energy sector:

  • Next Generation Renewables iconNext Generation Renewables
  • Energy management and data iconEnergy Management/Data
  • Asset Optimisation iconAsset Optimisation
  • Thermal Solutions iconThermal Solutions
  • Grid Planning, Optimisation and Stability iconGrid Planning, Optimisation and Stability
  • Energy Storage iconEnergy Storage
  • Connected and Engaged Customers iconConnected & Engaged Customers (B2B and B2C)
  • Mobility and Transport iconMobility & Transport Electrification
  • Other iconOther
Its quite important for our core strategy, to get in touch with The Utilities but it’s also quite important to meet with the other startups and companies to build our ecosystem.

Thorsten Heller

Greenbird Integration Technology
We think that Free Electrons is the best place for utility business development, having the opportunity to talk to 10 of the biggest utilities in the world – there is no other place that we can do that all at once so fast.

Tagg Jefferson

Gridcure
Talking to senior executives from the largest utilities around the world, developing close personal relationships and leveraging those to get real deals done.

Yoav Lurie

Simple Energy
We’ve connected into this amazing network of startup companies, we’ve also had the opportunity to meet some of the most innovative utilities in the world.

Sara Bell

Tempus Energy
We benefited mostly from the honesty and the candid answers that the utilities gave us.

Michael Shalyt

Aperio
We have made great friends and we have developed a proposition that is now really answering a need and we understand the challenges the utilities are facing.

Louise Rogerson

Howz
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Here to Support Startups

For specific questions on the application process, see our FAQs page or contact us directly.

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