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. […]
Enabling Grid Flexibility: The Role of Demand Response and Energy Storage in the Future of Energy
A Closer Look at How Flexibility Technologies Are Reshaping the Energy Landscape What happens when the grid can no longer keep up with the energy we need? When consumption patterns outpace infrastructure upgrades, and clean energy risks being wasted due to inflexibility? These are no longer hypothetical questions but they reflect the emerging pressure points […]
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 […]
Safeguarding the Energy Future: Cybersecurity at the Core of a Resilient Grid
From Reactive Measures to Proactive Strategies The energy sector’s digital transformation has brought about unprecedented efficiencies and capabilities. However, this evolution has also introduced complex cybersecurity challenges. Recent incidents such as the investigation into a potential cyberattack contributing to Spain and Portugal’s massive blackout in April 2025, underscore the sector’s vulnerability and critical importance of […]
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 […]
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. […]
How Predictive Insights are Enhancing Renewable Energy Integration in Grids
Navigating the Future of Energy through Trading, Forecasting, and Modelling The global energy sector is experiencing an unprecedented transformation as the world focuses more on decarbonisation and sustainability. The integration of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydrogen is becoming more and more important in reshaping traditional energy systems, leading to an increased […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Free Electrons through the lens of academia-research
Open innovation is becoming increasingly vital across various industries especially in the rapidly changing energy sector. Free Electrons has created a new flagship model of Open Innovation, bringing together utilities and start-ups from around the world, with the shared purpose of co-creating a sustainable energy future. The Free Electrons program has served as a fertile […]
Get to know the winner of the 2023 edition: Granular Energy
We sat down with Granular Energy, a pioneering clean energy management solutions provider, to talk about their experience with Free Electrons. A discussion that revolved around how Free Electrons served as a catalyst for evolution, connecting them with some of the world’s largest utilities. Stay tuned for the full story, where Granular Energy unveils the […]
Free Electrons Grand Finale: the main stage
The Grand Finale is the ultimate stage of the Free Electrons Program and acts as a culminating event to celebrate the hard work, innovative solutions, and strategic partnerships fostered throughout the process. This stage goes beyond merely wrapping up the program; it serves as a platform for cementing negotiations, defining projects for scaling, and outlining […]
Fueling Innovation: Introducing the Free Electrons 2023 Finalists
The energy landscape is evolving, and so are the groundbreaking solutions emerging from the Free Electrons startup program. Meet the inspiring startups that have captured our attention and are set to revolutionize the energy sector with their innovative ideas and technologies. 3DK Tech: Guiding the Future of Manufacturing 3DK Tech envisions an efficient and eco-friendly […]
Free Electrons Open Day: A Launchpad for Indian Energy Startups
Are you an Indian energy startup seeking to make a big impact in the energy sector? Look no further! The Free Electrons Open Day in Mumbai is the perfect launchpad for innovative startups like yours to connect, collaborate, and grow in the dynamic world of energy. Here are some compelling reasons why you should be […]
Powering Change: Inspiring Success Stories from Free Electrons 2022 Cohort Alumni
The Free Electrons program has been a driving force behind the clean energy transition, bringing together startups and leading energy utilities to create a sustainable future. In the 2022 cohort, we witnessed remarkable success stories from some outstanding startups that have reshaped the energy landscape. In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on three […]
An innovative journey through the Free Electrons Dublin Bootcamp
The Free Electrons bootcamp, hosted by ESB in Dublin, Ireland, embodied an atmosphere of energy and anticipation that permeated the air as startups and utilities converged to embark on a transformative journey. With a series of engaging activities and insightful discussions, the event offered a platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and problem-solving. The bootcamp […]
Tips and tricks for a good pitch
Starting a business is a challenging and exciting journey. A successful pitch is just as important as a brilliant idea and is a critical part of selling that idea to potential partners and investors. You must be able to articulate your vision and make a compelling case for why your startup is worth investing in […]
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 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 […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: REBASE
Energy forecasting made simple. Rebase provides energy companies with AI-ready data and open source tooling to forecast and optimise distributed energy resources Rebase Energy aims to empower tomorrow’s energy innovators with data and digital tools like AI and Big data to increase the pace of change to a sustainable energy system. With more and more […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: Plexigrid
Enlightening Electrical Ecosystems (E3) Plexigrid is a tech company founded within the research group of the University of Oviedo with a clear desire to innovate the electrical sector. The massive penetration of electrical vehicles, solar panels, storage, and heat pumps is increasing the challenges that the electrical distribution networks have to handle. Funny enough, the […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: KelTech
KelTech IoT – We make Smart Simple We enable utilities to deliver cost-effective, sustainable and secure low voltage micro grids, combined with digital communications in a single cable solution to enhance their smart energy and digital service enablement capability. We are a team of communications & smart energy network infrastructure specialists. We understand the global […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: Gilytics
Gilytics is Revolutionizing Linear Infrastructure Planning with the Pathfinder Routing Solution Helping utilities automate infrastructure routing, saving time, money and CO2 with better data, visuals and communication for better decision making. Value Proposition We help planners find the most resilient and sustainable route for linear infrastructure faster, with automation and inclusive design. Our vision is […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: Gridcognition
Modelling & Simulation of Complex Distributed Energy Projects A new energy future is coming, ready or not. Gridcognition is powerful software to technically simulate and commercially optimise complex distributed energy projects. These projects can span multiple markets, multiple sites, and multiple distributed energy technologies including solar, storage, electric vehicle charging, and load flexibility. Over the […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: FSIGHT
Artificial intelligence software for distributed energy management ENERGY AI, our software solution for the era of distributed energy markets, connects HW devices and metering systems, forecasts energy profiles, optimizes distributed energy resources and trades energy between peers and with the market. The exponentially growing share of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as photovoltaic systems and […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: eSmart Systems
eSmart Systems is transforming the way the world’s leading energy providers inspect and maintain critical infrastructure Our flagship product Grid Vision® – an AI-assisted, end-to-end powerline inspection management tool – was first released in 2016 and is currently in use by more than 50 utility companies worldwide. eSmart Systems is based on more than 25 years […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: gridX
gridX – Building the digital infrastructure for the energy transition gridX is a leading smart grid company founded by Andreas Booke and David Balansiefen with offices in Munich and Aachen. The company’s digital energy platform, XENON, provides scalable infrastructure to connect and control distributed energy resources. gridX uses edge and cloud services to develop digital […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: Camus Energy
Real-time insight, orchestration and markets for zero-carbon electric grids Camus Energy provides grid management software as a service to utilities and energy asset managers to enable deep decarbonization of electricity from both the supply and demand side. Camus Energy is building an open source software platform to enable the future Distribution System Operator (DSO). Providing […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: Electron
Launch and operate distributed energy marketplaces Electron’s software enables distributed system operators to create new markets for curtailment, peak shaving and load shaping to facilitate a more resilient, cost-efficient Net Zero. Electron is a London-based energy technology company, facilitating market-based interactions between distributed energy resources and network utilities, regional suppliers and local authorities. Our customers […]
Meet the 2021 selected startups: DABBEL
DABBEL – The AI Boost for your Building How Artificial Intelligence is influencing the commercial real estate industry while combating climate change and saving energy with a simple software solution. DABBEL began in 2016 with an investigation and the development of an AI-based and sustainable product. DABBEL was founded in 2018 with a first prototype […]
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, […]
