By The vibrant city of Madrid recently played host to the Free Electrons Bootcamp, where the world’s most promising energy startups and leading utility companies came together over three dynamic days to explore, connect, and lay the groundwork for future energy solutions.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The Bootcamp kicked off with enthusiasm as startups and utilities met in person for the first time. After a warm welcome from our host, we dove into utilities’ reverse pitches, providing valuable insights into their strategic priorities and collaboration opportunities. Startups then took center stage to pitch their innovative solutions, sharing their visions for a sustainable future. We wrapped up the day with highly anticipated 1:1 pilot meetings, where startups and utilities explored potential partnerships and refined their pilot proposals. The day included a cultural note with a captivating Flamenco performance, offering a taste of Spain and adding a unique touch.
Day 2: Deep Dives, Deep Connections
The momentum continued with more 1:1 meetings, allowing for deeper engagement and detailed discussions about the pilot projects. Successful partnerships are about sharing a common vision and fostering deep connections. Day two featured a strategic overview from EDP sharing their vision to accelerate the energy transition with a focus on four key topics: energy generation, transmission, client solutions and energy management. We still got time for an inspiring session with Joe Haslam, Executive Director of the Owners Scaleup Program and professor at IE Business School, and a scavenger hunt through the city, which fostered collaboration and built new bonds among participants.
Day 3: Continued Collaboration and Learning
As we prepared to bid farewell to Madrid, we looked ahead to the future. The day featured an inspiring Alumni panel with RatedPower, Spacewell Energy, and Rondo sharing their success stories and the transformative impact of the Free Electrons program. An ecosystem panel with representatives from Telefónica, InnoEnergy, and Ionica Partners provided additional insights into the broader energy market and emerging trends. The Bootcamp concluded with closing remarks that celebrated the week’s achievements and outlined the exciting path forward for participants.
A Look Ahead
As we wrapped up the intense sessions, collaborations, and networking, the potential of the solutions presented at the Bootcamp promises to lead to sustainable and impactful energy solutions. We will be announcing the top 15 startups selected to move forward, joining us at the Master Module of Free Electrons.
Don’t miss out on the highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from this incredible event—watch the wrap-up video to see how innovation and energy came to life in Madrid.
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