AssetCool, a UK-based startup specializing in technological solutions for the energy sector, has been named “Startup of the Year” at the 2025 edition of Free Electrons. The announcement was made during the program’s grand finale event in Dublin, Ireland.
Free Electrons is an open innovation program in the energy industry, organized by major utilities including EDP, CLP, E.ON, ESB, Jera, Hydro Quebec, and Origin. The 2025 edition attracted more than 700 applications from 86 countries. After an initial digital pitch involving 60 startups, 30 were selected for a Bootcamp in Sydney, Australia. From there, 15 advanced to the Master Module in Hong Kong, China, and ultimately participated in the final event in Dublin.
AssetCool was recognized for its innovative coating designed to mitigate grid overload and support energy transition goals by increasing capacity and improving grid resilience.
The final event, known as the Open Day, gathered over 250 representatives from sectors including energy, logistics, and venture capital. During this event, the Akimoto Award was also presented to Karina Yamamoto, co-founder of Gridbrid, for her role in fostering innovation and collaboration within the program.
Applications for the 2026 edition of Free Electrons are now open and will be accepted from October 17 until January 31, 2026 through the program’s website at https://freeelectrons.org. The program is seeking mature startups with scalable and innovative projects that address key challenges in areas such as renewable energy, data management, asset optimization, grid stability, energy storage, customer engagement, and electrification of mobility and transport.
EDP, one of the founding members of Free Electrons, integrates the initiative into its global innovation strategy. Since joining, EDP has launched more than 60 pilot projects and invested nearly 2 million euros in startups through the program. Over 10 startups have signed commercial contracts with EDP, amounting to more than 35 million euros. EDP Ventures has also invested over 15 million euros in 15 participating startups.
“EDP’s participation in Free Electrons reflects our commitment to innovation and global collaboration to accelerate the energy transition. Initiatives like this allow us to identify disruptive solutions and establish strategic partnerships with the potential to redefine the future of clean energy. That’s also why we will continue to be part of the next edition — so that together, we can keep accelerating the energy transition,” says Tomás Moreno, Head of EDP’s Innovation Ecosystem.
Free Electrons aims to drive transformation in the energy sector by connecting startups with leading companies to accelerate collaboration and implementation of new technologies for a sustainable future.
