The Free Electrons Program is the best opportunity for startups in the energy space to grow and develop their businesses. The energy market has seen rapid changes in recent years with the rise of renewables, decentralization of the energy system, regulatory uncertainties and disruptive new technologies. To stay ahead, there is a strong need for utilities to source more innovation externally and consider the ‘beyond utilities’ business models.
What ?
The energy market has seen rapid changes in recent years with the rise of renewables, decentralization of the energy system, regulatory uncertainties and disruptive new technologies. To stay ahead, there is a strong need for utilities to source more innovation externally and consider the ‘beyond utilities’ business models.
Nine Giant Utilities
Committed to supporting energy entrepreneurs and startups to transform the energy market with next-generation ideas. Free Electron is building an international, advanced accelerator program focused on startups that have already raised money, created a working prototype, and earned a few battle scars along the way. The program will help startups “level up” quickly, with curated support and access to a network of utility giants.
How ?
A cornerstone of the accelerator program includes three international modules across the globe, where participants will work closely with local accelerators, utilities, mentors and other resources in order to jumpstart their company’s growth.
So, after the Applications close, it will have the Bootcamp week, to be held in Lisbon (Portugal, end of March), followed by the 1st Module, in Australia. The 2nd Module will then start in Silicon Valley (USA), with the final stage moving to Berlin (Germany).
Lisbon Bootcamp
- Module 0 – A shortlist of startups will showcase their solutions as well as their teams in order to gain one of spots in the program.
Sydney + Melbourne
- Module 1 – Participants will learn from successful case studies of startups and utilities working together. This is an opportunity to understand utilities and their piloting process. In this first module startups learn to “speak corporate” and understand the inner workings of large operations. The objective is to match solutions with concrete challenges and define collaborative roadmap.
Silicon Valley
- Module 2 – The Silicon Valley module offers an immersion in the world’s leading clean tech innovation ecosystem, connecting startups to the epicenter of the technology world. Startups will have the chance to shape their solution to concretely address the utility’s pain points. The objective of this module is to define the scope of potential pilot projects, commercial transactions and/or investment contracts.
Berlin
- Module 3 – This final module is focused on concluding negotiations of pilot projects as well as the definition of scaling prospects. Besides granular contract discussions, a final pitch event and an award ceremony before representatives of the clean tech innovation ecosystem with will take place.
Why ?
Free Electron envision a future where smart, clean and accessible energy will transform every aspect of our lives. Free Electrons drives next-generation ideas in:
International Market Expedition – Pilot Exploration – Mentorship Support – Investment Opportunities
