EDP Open Innovation - a joint EDP/Expresso entrepreneurship program launched in 2012 - is back and applications for the seventh edition are open. This year, for the first time, the program's acceleration parter is Beta-i.

At a time when innovation and technology are playing an increasingly important role in the energy sector, the EDP/Expresso program is looking for innovative projects that can make a difference in a mutating market. This year's edition will focus on startups dedicated to innovation in the field of energy and major industry trends: decarbonization, decentralization, and digitization.

Participants must be at least 18 years old. We accept applications from all over the world. Applications are open until September 10.

Launched in 2012, the program challenges entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. Once the application stage is completed the jury will select the ten best startups, which will then move to Lisbon in October. They will then benefit from an intense acceleration program co-organized by EDP Starter and Beta-i.

"It's a success story that in the previous six editions has helped accelerate several startups. For the program's seventh edition, which merges the Energia de Portugal Program with the EDP Inovação Award, we want the best projects in areas such as clean energy, smart grids, energy storage, digital innovation, and customer-focused solutions," says EDP Inovação Executive Committee member Luís Manuel.

The best team will be awarded a €50,000 prize, and the three best-ranking teams will have the opportunity to attend Web Summit, the largest technology and entrepreneurship event in the world.

In addition to these awards, startups that fit into EDP's strategy and business model will be invited to join EDP Starter, an ecosystem for startups that are taking their first steps as EDP Group suppliers or partners.

"In addition to the money prize and the opportunity to attend Web Summit - the world's largest showcase for such startups -, the most promising teams will have the opportunity to join a unique ecosystem in Portugal, with a cowork space, mentoring, and cross-cutting services in Portugal, Spain and Brazil. O EDP Starter tem contribuído para ligar as startups com mais potencial às utilities de energia mais inovadoras, says Starter Manager Carla Pimenta.

According to Beta-i's Gonçalo Negrão - the project manager for this year's edition - the purpose of the program is that in two weeks, thanks to a close relationship between the project managers and the teams, companies will have a tested and validated pre-pilot. It will be a period of intense work in which, more than mere ideas, we will be looking for solutions to keep up the energy."

About EDP Open Innovation:

EDP Open Innovation is an acceleration program for the development of new business projects focusing on technological innovation or innovative business models in the area of clean technologies for the energy industry. An EDP/Expresso partnership, this program merges the Energia de Portugal project and the EDP Inovação Award (both running in Portugal and Brazil).

Leveraging this cross-border experience, this year the time has come to open applications worldwide. The jury was selected from three key EDP geographies: Portugal, Spain and Brazil.