Free Electrons Global Energy Startup Program 2027

About

The 2027 edition of Free Electrons is a global open-innovation program that connects startups with leading energy utilities to validate, pilot and scale energy solutions, with applications open until 30 November 2026.

Benefits

• 📄Application Feedback
  Feedback on your application, with the opportunity to strengthen it before the final deadline.
• 📊Utility Innovation Landscape Report
  An exclusive report detailing challenges and opportunity areas identified by Free Electrons utilities.
• 📣Newsletter Feature
  A chance to be featured in the Free Electrons Newsletter, reaching 1,600+ subscribers.
• 🤝Utility Validation
  Validate your technology with global leading utility partners.
• 🚀Pilot Development
  Co-create viable pilot projects directly with utilities to prove market readiness.
• 💬Expert Feedback
  Gain actionable insights from experts to strengthen your solution and business model.
• 🌍Global Market Access
  Showcase your solution across leading energy hubs worldwide.
• 🔗Relationships
  Build long-lasting connections with utility partners and startup peers.
• 🌐Network Expansion
  Engage with local and global innovation ecosystems to open new doors for growth.
• 💰Deals and Investment
  Showcase your solution to utilities and investors; over $23M USD in deals to date.
• 🧠Open Innovation Experts
  Shape your collaboration strategy alongside an experienced innovation team.
• 👥Mentors and Specialists
  Receive tailored guidance from a global pool of mentors and technical experts.
• ✈️ Travel and Accommodation Support
  The program subsidizes flight costs (reimbursed up to a specified limit) and covers and arranges accommodation and meals for two employees from each participating startup.
• 🛂Visa and Logistics Assistance
  Free Electrons provides visa and other logistical assistance.
• 🎓Alumni Access
  Startups that attend become part of the Alumni, which provides continued access to a global ecosystem of utilities, other startups, founders, and mentors.
• 🏁Open Day
  The program concludes with an Open Day where startups showcase their business to an extended audience of investors, partners, mentors, and the local ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria

• Global Eligibility
• Open to startups worldwide
• English-Language Applications
• Applications must be submitted in English; translation is not provided
• Startup Readiness
• Preference for startups with prior funding, pilot-ready solutions, and working prototypes
• Selection Criteria
• Assessment based on team experience, product or solution maturity, market opportunity, potential business model profitability, and alignment with utility needs
• Reapplication Opportunity
• Previous applicants may reapply and are encouraged to highlight progress since their last application

Participation Commitments

• No application fees and no equity requirements are stated; startups retain full ownership of their intellectual property, with project-specific NDAs possibly required case by case.
• Selected startups must commit two team members to attend each module, including at least one C-level executive and one senior manager; in-person attendance is mandatory for every module, and failure to guarantee participation may forfeit the place.
• The program lasts one year, with approximately 15 days abroad.

Target Region

Global

Target Sector

Energy & Utilities