Open Call: Free Electrons Innovation Program 2025

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.

By joining Free Electrons, start-ups  will have the opportunity to test their solution with world leading energy utilities. Each interaction is designed to facilitate ongoing conversations between start-ups and utilities to refine value propositions, seed pilot projects and explore investment opportunities.

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

Benefits

• 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
  • Develop Pilots
  • Develop a viable pilot project alongside world leading energy utilities
  • Gain Insight
  • Receive training & support, and attend sponsored travel events throughout the program.

Cost Covered

• Free Electrons do provide visa and other logistical assistance.
• The program will subsidize flight costs (reimbursed up to a specified limit), as well as cover and arrange accommodation and meals for two employees from each participating startup.

Duration

• The program lasts the course of one year, with approx. 15 days abroad. However, many startups and utilities continue to work with each other beyond the program.

What are they looking for?

• Tackling the World’s Energy Problems
• They envision a future where smart, clean and accessible energy will transform every aspect of their lives and they’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 Grid Planning, Optimisation and Stability
  • Energy Storage Energy Storage
  • Connected and Engaged Customers Connected & Engaged Customers (B2B and B2C)
  • Mobility and Transport Mobility & Transport Electrification
  • Other.

For more information, visit Free Electrons.