Future Grids
Program structure
Jul 6th - Aug 23rd
Sep 30th - Oct 1st
Nov 23rd - Nov 24th
Applications
July 6th – August 23rd
Global call for startups with solutions that address EDP’s innovation priorities and are ready to scale rapidly.
Online Pitch
September 30th – October 1st
Showcase event for startups to present their solutions to key EDP decision-makers, ensure fit with innovation priorities.
Bootcamp & Open Day
November 23rd – November 24th
Immersive in-person event designed to accelerate the development of long-term partnerships.
Pilot and Scale
Collaborative journey to refine, validate, and implement the proposed collaborations.
Partnering with EDP
Innovation is at the heart of EDP’s strategy, with the purpose to accelerate new impactful businesses and promote fast adoption of innovative solutions to lead the energy transition. By working with EDP, startups will gain a global energy leader as an innovation partner, with presence on multiple continents and a proven track record in developing and implementing groundbreaking technologies.
EDP operates in 28 markets, with strategic hubs in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. It has a total installed capacity of 29 GW worldwide, a distribution network of 387.000 km, and over 9 million retail customers. This ranks it as one of Europe’s largest energy players.
A proven track record in open innovation programs since 2016:
Challenges & solutions
Optimize Grid Capacity
Increase the existing grid capacity and identify its real limits, enabling the network to operate closer to its maximum potential through enhanced flexibility and optimization.
Streamline Grid Deployment
Accelerate the construction of underground and overhead lines as well as substations while minimizing environmental impact and reducing labor requirements.
Improve Grid Monitoring and Control
Enhance grid visibility, fault detection, voltage regulation, LV-phase balancing, and smart meter data analysis to improve grid operations and maintenance.
Increase Safety in Field Activities
Increase safety and productivity for field teams during grid construction, maintenance, and operation.
Increase Grid Resilience to Extreme Events
Strengthen grid resilience through faster anticipation, response, and recovery from extreme weather events and other network disruptions.
What’s in it for startups:
Foster an innovation partnership to scale alongside a global energy leader.
Fast-track business opportunities with EDP across 28 markets.
Engage directly with decision-makers and end-users from EDP’s business units.
Access EDP’s assets, data, and partners through paid pilots.
Access funding opportunities with EDP Ventures, the venture capital arm of EDP.
Retain full ownership of your equity and intellectual property, with no exclusivity obligations.
Covered travel expenses and minimal time commitment required.
2025 Cohort
2023 Cohort
2022 Cohort
In a nutshell
1. What is the deadline for applying?
The Future Grid Track will be open until August 23rd 2026.
2. What information do I need to provide in my application?
3. What does the Energy Starter consist of?
4. What type of solutions are you looking for?
Streamline Grid Deployment: Examples include equipment for deploying and stringing cables, automating construction and maintenance processes, and modular substations.
Improve Grid Monitoring and Control: Examples include commercial losses forecast systems, tools to leverage flexibility, and predictive vegetation monitoring.
Increase Safety in Field Activities: Examples include devices and wearables to improve safety for field workers and to assist with heavy lifting and repetitive tasks.
Minimize Grid Environmental Impact: Examples include decreasing the use of SF6 gas, recycling/circular economy initiatives, and minimizing the impact of grid activities on biodiversity.
Increase Grid Resilience to Extreme Events: Examples include meteorological data methodologies to optimize grid management during extreme weather events.