Free Electrons marks 10 years and more than €124 million generated in business outcomes

Free Electrons, the global open innovation programme developed by six energy companies, including EDP, is celebrating a decade of driving transformation in the energy sector. The 10th edition, marking this milestone, now moves into the bootcamp phase, with an intensive in-person module in Lisbon, hosted by EDP, bringing together 30 start-ups selected following a rigorous application, evaluation and selection process. The event takes place from 23 to 25 June at MAAT Central and Palácio do Marquês de Tancos.

During the bootcamp, which runs over four days, start-ups and utilities will take part in one-to-one meetings, collaborative sessions and discussions aimed at validating the alignment between the proposed solutions and the needs of the energy sector. The objective is to identify opportunities for pilot development, accelerate decision-making processes and lay the groundwork for future partnerships, directly involving the utilities’ business areas.

At the end of this stage, 15 start-ups will be selected to continue in the programme, which will then move to the Master Module on 14 September in the United Kingdom. At this stage, utilities and start-ups will work together to define a clear and actionable plan for potential pilots, aligning scope, success criteria and next steps. The grand final, including an Open Day where the start-up of the year will be selected, will take place in Canada on 16 November.

Since its launch in 2016, Free Electrons has generated more than €124 million in business outcomes through projects developed by participating companies, demonstrating the programme’s tangible impact in creating value between start-ups and utilities.