The applications for the 3rd edition of Free Electrons are open, the first global program to introduce the most promising startups to leading utilities in the energy sector. Applications are open until February 22nd and startups from all over the world can apply. The final of this world competition will be held for the first time in Lisbon, in September.

Free Electrons is a truly global program, focused on the opportunities for developing projects and businesses between startups and players in the industry, and aims to find solutions in the areas of mobility, clean energies, smart grids and digitalization. The first two editions of the program demonstrate the potential of Free Electrons to advance all the participants.

After completing the application phase, the organization will select the startups that will participate in the Free Electrons Bootcamp. Those selected will be announced on March 13.

Just like last year, the 2019 edition of Free Electrons will be divided into three world-wide modules: the first, in Columbus, Ohio, in May; the second, in Hong Kong, China, in June; and the third and final module will take place in Lisbon, in September, where the winner will be announced and will receive the prize of $200,000.

In 2018, EDP developed several pilot projects and invested in 4 startups that participated in Free Electrons that are revolutionizing the market. One of the investees was SOLshare, the big winner of 2018, which is revolutionizing Bangladesh's energy market, where more than 50 million people still lack access to the power grid. The company has created a solution to be installed in houses with solar panels, which allows the transaction of energy credits between dwellings.

Results

In just two editions, this worldwide program has already attracted:

• More than 1,000 startup applications from around the world;
• Applications from more than 70 countries;
• Several projects were carried out, in which real utilities challenges were solved, generating business between them and these startups.

The first two editions generated more than seven million euros in business contracts signed between 27 startups and 10 utilities. Free Electrons gives a unique opportunity for mature startups in the energy sector to have access to global partners who can help them expand into new markets around the world. Together, the 10 utilities in the energy sector that are part of the program have about 80 million customers and are present in more than 40 countries.

Companies participating in Free Electrons

The founding members of Free Electrons are AusNet Services (Australia), DEWA (Dubai), EDP (Portugal), ESB (Ireland), Innogy (Germany), Origin Energy (Australia), SP Group (Singapore) and Tokyo Electric Power Company (Japan). Since last year's edition, American Electric Power (USA) and CLP (Hong Kong) have joined the program. Free Electrons is supported by the Portuguese Beta-i.
For more information: https://freeelectrons.org