FAQ
(Almost) everything you need to know
2. What type of solutions are you looking for?
For the Future Grids Track is searching for innovative solutions that leverage the existing Grid infrastructure to enhance resiliency, flexibility, and efficiency, all while exploring new adjacent growth opportunities
For the Renewables & Green Hydrogen Track EDP is looking for innovative projects in hydrogen, with the aim to reach its targets on renewables and enable the transition in sectors with higher carbon intensity.
For the Client Solutions Track, we are looking for new solutions that facilitate the transition to electric mobility and boost the development of distributed generation solutions that will support EDP’s customers in their decarbonization efforts.
3. What are the upsides of joining Energy Starter?
Energy Starter enables startups to trial their solutions at a global scale, network with industry experts, and receive mentoring from the leadership teams of EDP. Working directly with a partner like EDP, will likely increase opportunities in your industry sector for pilots, commercial contracts, and investment opportunities, which is directly in line with our mission.
4. Is Energy Starter like other accelerators?
We believe we are different; we are more a business development program than a traditional accelerator / incubator. We’ll provide your business with opportunities to:
- Showcase your solution to EDP’s business units and innovation teams across over 28 markets globally
- Test and develop your solution in partnership with EDP, with access to resources, infrastructure, expertise, and a global market
- Access to feedback and insights from a wide pool of mentors and energy experts matched to your unique requirements
- Connect with EDP Ventures, the venture capital arm of EDP, for funding prospects
- Networking opportunities in EDP’s energy and innovation ecosystem of partners and stakeholders
5. What information do I need to provide in my application?
We ask for information about you, your idea, your team and your company. Don’t hold back, let us know how great you are.
6. What is the process for applying?
We ask you for information about you, your idea, your team and your company in an online form on the F6S platform. Once the application is submitted, Beta-i will get back to you on next steps.
7. What happens once I’ve applied?
Once you’ve submitted your details via our application form on the F6S platform, a member of Beta-I’s team, the program manager, will review your responses to confirm your suitability for the program. They may be in touch to gather further details and answer any questions you have before your application is submitted. After that, the EDP team will evaluate all the applications for the program and select the ones that will move forward to the Online Pitch sessions.
8. Is travelling required during the program?
Companies, entrepreneurs and startups from across the globe are encouraged to apply. Bear in mind that you may need a visa to participate in activities in these countries and that you will be required to travel during the program.
9. Is there a minimum age?
You must be at least 18 years old to enter Energy Starter.
10. Who can participate?
Companies, entrepreneurs and startups from across the globe who are prepared to develop their products and services in collaboration with EDP.
11. I have a good business idea – can I participate in Energy Starter?
Not exactly, we are looking for companies that have at least a prototype ready to be tested in the market.
12. I’m quite an early-stage startup – am I right for Energy Starter?
We’re open to businesses that have at least a prototype ready to be tested in the market. If you feel that your business and products would benefit from this collaboration we’d love to hear from you.
13. I’ve been in accelerators before and have customers – is this right for me?
We know that your needs will be very different from an early-stage business. Your time is precious, and we won’t waste it. So long as you have an innovative solution for EDP’s business and the ambition to test it out and scale it globally through Energy Starter, we can work together.
14. Do I need to give away equity to participate?
No, we do not ask for equity for participating in this program. However, we may ask you to keep us notified about future funding rounds.
15. Are you asking for exclusivity?
No, we’re not asking you to sign an exclusivity agreement. We want to build a relationship based on trust and, if we like each other, we hope that you’ll see us as the first port of call when you need feedback on your new products. Please be aware that we will ask you to sign a mutual non-disclosure agreement (NDA) which you will need to adhere to, even when working with other parties in the energy sector.
16. Will I need to disclose confidential information about my business?
If you are invited to join Energy Starter, we will ask you to sign a mutual non-disclosure agreement (NDA) – this means that we’ll keep your information confidential, and you’ll need to do the same for us. This will ensure we can work together productively on the program. However, when you’re applying to join, neither party will be under NDA, so please only share with us information about your product or business that you consider in the public domain.
17. Are you offering any travel support or assistance?
There is a travel and accommodation grant to help cover part of these costs with the exceptions of locally based startups.
18. What do I need to attend in person?
If selected for the program, you will be invited to attend a 3-day in-person Bootcamp designed to fast-track the development of pilot-projects.
19. Will there be funding opportunities?
You will have the opportunity to connect with EDP Ventures, the venture capital arm of EDP, for funding prospects.
20. Who is Beta-i? What is their role in this accelerator?
Beta-i is a collaborative innovation consultancy with global reach, a team of experts with its own methodology, in designing and managing projects from strategy to pilot testing. Born in Lisbon in 2009 as a disruptive response to the financial crisis of the time, in 12+ years the company has helped to turn Portugal into one of Europe’s most vibrant innovation hubs. It has grown to become globally based in Lisbon, São Paulo, Brussels and Boston, applying the innovation expertise in over 20 countries and working with international brands to create new solutions for a rapidly changing world.