EDP launches the 9th edition of EDP Energy Starter and seeks startups with innovative solutions for power grids | edp.com

Energy Starter, EDP's open innovation program to accelerate the adoption of technologies that drive the energy transition, enters its 9th edition and opens registrations for the first track dedicated to Future Grids. The program connects EDP decision-makers with startups and scaleups worldwide, offering a powerful platform for creating long-term collaborations. For this phase, EDP focuses on startups and rapidly growing technology companies (scaleups) from around the world with innovative solutions that optimize grid capacity and flexibility while streamlining deployment and maintenance processes to reduce costs and enhance the integration of renewables. 

Startups from any geography can apply to the program until 21st February. To apply, startups can submit their application through the program's website. 

EDP operates a distribution network of 387,000 km in Portugal, Spain, and Brazil. This is a strategic growth area for EDP, which plans to invest around 3.2 billion euros globally between 2024 and 2026 to enhance the digitalization, intelligence, resilience, and efficiency of all these infrastructures, which are critical for both EDP and the countries, companies, and communities.

“Innovation is key to addressing the challenges of transforming and strengthening our grids, from optimizing capacity to enhancing safety, minimizing environmental impact, and integrating renewables. These efforts are essential for building a sustainable and reliable energy system. The EDP Energy Starter program allows us to partner with startups and scaleups worldwide, driving groundbreaking solutions that accelerate the energy transition”, says Tomás Moreno, Head of Innovation Ecosystem at EDP. 

The Future Grids track for 2025 thus seeks startups that offer innovation and technology to address six major challenges, including:

• Optimize grid capacity: increase the existing grid capacity and identify its real limits, enabling the network to operate closer to its maximum potential. 
• Streamline grid deployment: accelerate the construction of underground and overhead lines, as well as substations, minimizing environmental impact and reducing labor requirements.
• Improve grid monitoring and control: enhance voltage regulation, LV-phase balancing, smart meter data analysis, and cost-effective sensing to improve grid operations and maintenance. 
• Increase safety in field activities: increase safety for field teams and the community during grid construction, maintenance, and operation. 
• Minimize grid environmental impact: minimize the environmental impact of existing and new network assets, both in installation and maintenance.
• Increase grid resilience to extreme events: anticipate and manage extreme weather events more effectively to ensure that the grid remains resilient and operational during adverse conditions. 

After the application period, startups will be evaluated throughout March and April, with participation in online meetings with EDP. Those selected will advance to the next stage of the program: the bootcamp, which will take place on May 26th and 27th at EDP's headquarters in Lisbon. During these two days, participating startups will have the opportunity to work with EDP decision-makers and representatives from various business areas and innovation teams, with the aim of accelerating the co-development of pilot projects and commercial agreements. Additionally, they will be able to access possible financial support and benefit from the experience and network of EDP Ventures, EDP's venture capital arm.

After the bootcamp, the selected startups will begin a collaborative journey with EDP teams to refine, validate, and implement their proposed pilot projects. These will be fully funded by EDP and will involve access to their data and assets, along with continuous monitoring to ensure the solutions are tailored to EDP's needs. The goal is to accelerate these innovative initiatives towards commercial viability, paving the way for long-term partnerships that contribute to driving the energy transition.

In the same week, on May 28th, EDP will also organize the Energy Starter Open Day in Lisbon, which will be an opportunity to learn about the results and impact of EDP's innovation initiatives and discover the innovative collaborations that have resulted from them. It will also be a privileged space for networking and interaction with industry leaders, decision-makers, and the innovation ecosystem, allowing connections with those who share the ambition for a greener and more sustainable energy future.

In addition to this first track dedicated to Future Grids, the 9th edition of the program includes two more tracks: one on Renewable Energy & Green Hydrogen and a final one on Client Solutions.

By working with EDP, startups will gain a global energy leader as an innovation partner, with presence on multiple continents and a proven track record in developing and adopting groundbreaking technologies. Considering all of EDP's innovation projects with startups, in addition to the EDP Energy Starter program, the results are remarkable: more than 140 pilot projects, 40 commercial implementations, 30 venture capital investments, and a total of around 140 million euros generated in business. 

For more information: www.theenergystarter.com.