Deadline:
January 24, 2025
Location(s)
Australia Hong Kong Ireland Online
The 9th edition of Free Electrons will be held in a hybrid format, combining virtual and in-person modules located based on the Utilities’ country of origin.
Overview
Free Electrons is the world’s largest open innovation program designed to bring disruptive energy solutions to market.
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.
The program provides an accelerated path for startups to develop and scale their businesses, pilot solutions and access potential investment opportunities.
Details
About the 2025 edition.
The program aims to enhance startup businesses over the course of one year. Startups gain experience through hands-on interactions with The Utilities, connections to industry insiders, and exposure to investors.
Startups will engage in pitch events, 1:1 meeting with utilities, pilot/project scoping and execution, receive guidance on how to refine their solution and given fundraising and investment opportunities.
How does joining Free Electrons help a start-up?
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.
Program Overview
- Worldwide - Applications Open - Closing January 24th 2025
A Global Program with Global Ambitions: Join Free Electrons partners CLP, EDP, E.ON, ESB, Hydro Quebec, JERA and Origin Energy, as we set out to change the future of energy. Applications are OPEN 18th October 2024 – January 24th 2025.
- Virtual - Pitch Eventw/c March 10th 2025
Selected startups will showcase their solutions and their teams through a fast-paced Pitch Event. In the weeks following utilities and startups will meet one on one to discuss fit for potential pilots. Startups moving forward in the program will be announced in April 2025.
Post Pitch Event: Preliminary discussions, determining best fit, pilot and project scoping
- Origin Energy, Australia - Bootcampw/c May 19th 2025
The Bootcamp prioritises further understanding startup solutions with a focus matching solutions with concrete challenges. Participants work together to outline a collaborative roadmap for potential pilots/projects between startup and utility. Through further one-on-one meetings, project scope commences. The closing of the Bootcamp will see successful startups go on to participate in the remaining modules.
Post Bootcamp: Preliminary discussions, define roadmaps, pilot and project scoping
- CLP, Hong Kong - Master Modulew/c July 7th 2025
The Master Module focuses on working with industry experts and learning from successful case studies. Participants will be given insight into the utility piloting process, advice on pitching to corporates, and explore the inner workings of large corporations.
Post Master Module: Refine pilot scope, meet with relevant business units, explore startup-to-startup opportunities with collaborative innovation consultants Beta-i.
- ESB, Ireland - Grand Finalew/c October 13th 2025
The Final Module focuses on firming up negotiations and defining projects for scaling and growth prospects. This is not the end – opportunities will continue to be developed outside of this module.
Participate in an Open Day before the Free Electrons consortium, VC’s, guests and representatives of the local innovation ecosystem.
Why Apply?
Jumpstart your technology with Free Electrons
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
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
The Utilities look for:
- The quality of the startup team, including relevant experience and a mix of complementary skills (business and technical)
- The quality of the product/solution, particularly how innovative and unique it is, whether it provides a competitive advantage and whether it can be easily replicated
- A clear articulation of the type and size of the market that is being targeted
- A clearly defined business model
- The fit of the startup with the needs of The Utilities and the structure of the Program
What stage startup are The Utilities looking for?
The Utilities support a variety of startups at different stages. Typically, the start ups applying for Free Electrons have already raised money, have pilot ready solutions and have created a working prototype.
Dates
Deadline: January 24, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
- Free Electrons will provide logistical assistance and support throughout the visa process.
- Flights and accommodation are provided by the program.
- Free Electrons concludes with a pitch day and a celebration, where startups will also have a chance to showcase their business to an audience of external investors, partners, mentors and the local ecosystem – one startup will be awarded $200,000USD – no strings attached.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
