EDP seeks startups from around the world with innovative solutions for renewable energy in the 9th edition of the Energy Starter program

Energy Starter, EDP’s open innovation program to accelerate the adoption of technologies that drive the energy transition, is now accepting applications for the second module of its 9th edition, dedicated to Renewable Energy. The program brings together EDP decision-makers with startups and scaleups, providing a powerful platform for creating long-term collaborations.

In this track, EDP focuses on startups and companies that develop innovative solutions to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, enhance the performance of its portfolio, and unlock greater value by integrating storage and maximizing participation across diverse energy markets. Startups from anywhere in the world can apply to the program until August 22. Applications must be made directly through the program website.

"At EDP, we believe that true innovation happens through collaboration. Energy Starter is more than a program - it's a launchpad for co-creating impactful solutions with startups from around the world. By combining their agility and creativity with our global scale and expertise, we aim to accelerate the adoption of technologies that will shape the future of energy.”, says Tomás Moreno, Head of EDP's innovation ecosystem. 

The Renewable Energy track for 2025 seeks innovative solutions in the following topics: 

• Reduction: monitor reduction and leverage innovative strategies and technologies to minimize its impact and unlock value.
• Deployment: accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources with solutions that optimize construction, facilitate grid interconnection, simplify pipeline development, and unlock supply chain constraints.
• Operation: maximize asset value and simplify operations by leveraging automated solutions, predictive maintenance, climate-resilient technologies, and circularity.
• Emerging technologies: promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to accelerate the development of clean energy generation and increase the operational efficiency of existing assets.
• Energy storage: maximize the value of renewable assets through innovative and cost-effective storage technologies, beyond lithium-ion and long-duration solutions, while diversifying business models.
• Energy Trading: enhance the efficiency of short-term energy trading by leveraging automated tools, optimization models, and improved forecasting for a portfolio of diverse assets and markets.

After the application period closes, startups will be evaluated during the months of September and October, through online meetings with EDP. Those selected will advance to the next phase of the program: the bootcamp, which will take place between November 25 and 27, at EDP's headquarters in Lisbon. During these three 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. 

Following the bootcamp, selected startups will embark on 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 its data and assets, along with ongoing monitoring to ensure that the solutions are tailored to EDP’s needs. The aim is to accelerate these innovative initiatives towards commercial viability, paving the way for long-term partnerships that will help drive the energy transition.

By working with EDP, startups will have as their innovation partner a global leader in the energy sector, with a presence on several continents and a proven track record in developing and adopting innovative technologies. Considering all of EDP’s innovation projects with startups through open innovation programs, in addition to the EDP Energy Starter, the results are remarkable: more than 150 pilot projects, 40 commercial implementations, 30 venture capital investments and a total of around 140 million euros generated in business. 

EDP ​​is a global leader in renewable energy, operating around 25.3 GW of installed capacity from wind, solar and hydro sources in Europe, North America, South America and Asia-Pacific. More than 90% of this generation already comes from renewable sources, placing EDP among the most sustainable utilities in the world. This is a strategic pillar of EDP’s growth, to accelerate the deployment of clean energy, with a focus on utility-scale projects, hybridization, and distributed generation.

For more information: www.theenergystarter.com.