By This July, the Free Electrons community came together once again – this time for the Master Module hosted by CLP.
After months of building connections, the Top 15 startups selected from this year’s Bootcamp reunited with utility partners for four intensive days focused on deepening collaboration, accelerating pilot discussions and aligning on shared goals for the energy transition.
From in-depth 1-1 meetings to refined pitches, feedback sessions and cross-industry conversations, the Master Module marked a turning point in this year’s Free Electrons journey.
Day 1: Welcome to Hong Kong – Where Strategy Meets Scenery
While utilities gathered early in the day to align internally, startups officially kicked off their Free Electrons Master Module with an immersive city welcome. With high energy and clear expectations, the opening moments set the tone for a working week rooted in defining use cases, pilot conversations and the next phases of collaboration.
Startups and utilities had the chance to reconnect in a relaxed setting, meet new faces and reflect on how far they’ve come since the Bootcamp. The mood was light but the purpose behind the conversations was focused and forward-thinking.
Day 2: Conversations Get Concrete
The Master Module moved into full speed with a day packed with 1:1 meetings and collaborative sessions between startups and utility teams. From AI-driven asset intelligence to storage, digital platforms and flexible grid solutions, startups showcased refined use cases tailored to utility challenges.
The structured meetings allowed both sides to go deeper – discussing deeper technical fit, deployment requirements and pilot feasibility. Interviews throughout the day captured insights from utility representatives and startup founders, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how partnerships are built in real time.
Day 3: From Alignment to Action
With momentum growing, Day 3 extended the 1:1 conversations into second and third touchpoints – this time more focused on next steps, scoping and pilot structure. The level of engagement across sessions made it clear: many of these conversations are no longer exploratory – they’re preparatory.
Throughout the day, additional interviews highlighted perspectives from startups like Jua.ai, Assetcool and ReWind, as well as utility voices reflecting on the quality of the 2025 cohort and collaboration potential. These will soon be shared through the Free Electrons LinkedIn page.
Day 4: Public Innovation Meets Global Collaboration
The final day opened with startup pitches as part of the “TAO of Free Electrons” format – short, sharp presentations where each of the Top 15 shared their most relevant use case and pilot potential with all partners in the room.
In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the Innovation Immersion Session, welcoming local stakeholders and ecosystem leaders into the Free Electrons experience. A highlight of the session was a joint panel with Pix Force, an alumni startup now expanding into the region following its Free Electrons journey – a testament to the long-term impact of the program.
Looking Ahead
With the Master Module now wrapped, the program enters its final and most critical phase: shaping, launching and executing real pilots between startups and utility partners. From early-stage conversations to near-signed agreements, this year’s cohort is already seeing results.
As the road leads towards the Grand Finale, the Free Electrons mission remains the same: to unlock global innovation, create real-world impact and enable partnerships that accelerate the energy transition.
Stay tuned for updates on pilot launches, new partnerships and innovation highlights by subscribing to the Free Electrons newsletter and following us on LinkedIn.
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