Singapore Power (SP) has launched Free Electrons, a global accelerator programme in partnership with a global consortium of utilities and accelerators.
The programme aims to recruit energy start-ups to drive the next generation of ideas and solutions that address emerging and future energy trends in clean energy, energy efficiency, e-mobility, digitisation, and on-demand customer services.
Free Electrons is the first-of-its-kind in the energy sector that is initiated by eight international utilities – SP, AusNet Services, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), ESB (Electricity Supply Board), EDP (Energias de Portugal), innogy, Origin Energy, and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
These utilities are leaders in clean energy transition, and have extensive experience in driving technological innovation. Together, the eight utilities represent a global footprint covering 73 million end customers across more than 40 countries, with a combined net income of USD $148 billion (more than SGD $211 billion).
The programme is supported by two accelerator partners from Silicon Valley – New Energy Nexus and swissnex San Francisco, who have extensive networks in the innovation ecosystem and have the experience and expertise in connecting innovators.
Twelve start-ups will be selected to participate in the six-month long accelerator programme, consisting of three separate week-long „customer adoption‟ modules in Silicon Valley (San Francisco), Lisbon and Dublin, and Singapore.
At the modules, the start-ups will gain exposure to various markets all around the world by collaborating with major utility companies. The programme is designed for energy start-ups to further refine their products and services, with the potential of testing and developing them on a global customer base.
“Singapore Power is committed to providing a high quality, sustainable lifestyle for customers,” says May Liew, Director of Strategic Development, Singapore Power. “We are excited to partner respected international utilities and experienced accelerators, who have extensive innovation and R&D experience, to support promising start-ups around the world. Together we can develop transformational energy solutions to provide customers with more choices, and help them to save energy and cost.”
Energy start-ups from Singapore and around the world can apply for the Free Electrons programme at www.freelectrons.co from 9 January 2017. Applications will close on 28 February 2017 and the selected start-ups will be announced in April 2017.