Startups can now register for the 3rd edition of Free Electrons, a global program that introduces the world’s most promising startups to energy industry leaders. Projects from around the world can register until February 22. The startups selected for the bootcamp will be announced on March 13.

Free Electrons is a global program focused on developing projects and businesses involving startups and Utilities, as part of an effort to find solutions for the electrical mobility, clean energy, smart grid, digitalization segments and discover new services for customers.

At the 2019 edition of the Free Electrons program will be divided into three global modules: The first will take place in May, in Columbus, Ohio. the second will be held in June, in Hong Kong, China. and the third and final module will take place in September, in Lisbon, Portugal, where the winner of the US$ 200 thousand prize will be announced.

At the first two editions proved the Free Electrons program has the potential to help participating projects grow. In 2018, EDP developed several pilot projects and invested in four startups that took part in the Free Electrons program. These initiatives are currently transforming the market: SOLshare, winner of the 2018 edition, operates in the Bangladesh energy industry, where over 50 million people have no access to electricity. The company has created a solar-powered micro-generator solution for households, letting households located in the same community do transactions using energy credits.

Results

After only two editions, the program has already attracted:

·         Applications from over 1,000 startups worldwide;

·         Applications from over 70 countries;

·         Projects that have solved real company challenges, generating business for both parties;

·         The first two editions generated over seven million Euros in contracts signed by 27 startups and 10 companies.

Free Electrons is a unique opportunity for startups currently at the scale-up stage and looking to gain traction on the international market. The program offers access to global partners in the energy industry that will help expand initiatives into new markets around the world. Together, the 10 companies involved in the program have around 80 million customers in over 40 different countries.

Free Electrons

At the founding members are:

- EDP (Portugal);

- Ausnet Services (Australia);

- DEWA (Dubai);

- ESB (Ireland);

- Innogy (Germany); 

- Norigin Energy (Australia); 

- SP Group (Singapore);

- Tokyo Electric Power Company (Japan).

Last year, American Electric Power (USA) and CLP (Hong Kong) also joined the program. Free Electrons is sponsored by Portuguese company Beta-i.

For further information, visit: www.freetheelectron.com