The third edition of Startup The Future, promoted by Galp, has awarded five startups from a pool of 195 applications worlwide. The winning companies presented innovative solutions that stand out for driving the energy transition.
Energiency developed a performance analysis software for the industrial sector, integrating big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Founded in Rennes, France, the company envisions "Industry 4.0" by identifying ways to optimise consumption and reduce emissions across industrial activities – from factory floors to corporate offices.
In the mobility sector, HyWatts won with its renewable energy supply solution that requires no infrastructure upgrades. Based in Berkeley, California, the company developed a reversible HTPEM fuel cell (High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane) capable of performing two electrochemical processes in a single cell. In HyWatts' "Power Plant in a Box", the same cell functions as an electrolyser (producing hydrogen from electricity) and as a fuel cell (generating electricity from hydrogen).
Addressing the energy needs of populations in emerging nations, Liquidstar presented the most compelling solution. The U.S. based startup operates in off-grid energy distribution, leveraging "waypoint stations" that charge batteries to deliver power to remote areas. This infrastructure enables services such as charging electric vehicles, providing internet connectivity, or supporting small-scale data centres.
AOTECH – Advanced Optical Technologies was recognised for its application of photonic and optical solutions in industrial processes. The French startup's technology enables precise, real-time monitoring of operations that require advanced quality control and maintenance, a critical factor in the development of fuels and new low-carbon energy solutions.
With its proposal to use drones to optimise solar production and improve maintenance processes at photovoltaic plants, German startup Volateq excelled in tackling challenges in the renewables sector.
Each of these startups will have the opportunity to collaborate with Galp through its business units and innovation teams, with full funding for pilot projects of their selected solutions. Additionally, Galp took the five winners to Web Summit 2024.
In its third edition, Startup The Future has cemented its position within the entrepreneurial and startup community in the energy sector, with an accumulated record of 650 applications from over 50 countries.
This initiative is part of Upcoming Energies, Galp's open innovation platform, which brings together change agents to co-create a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient energy system.