Are you the creator of a pioneering solution or technological innovation that will facilitate the energy transition and leave a significant impact for society? Then you are in the right place!E.DSO, the Association of Distribution System Operators (DSOs), is launching the ‘2nd E.DSO Digital Award’ in recognition of the most meaningful and relevant digital innovations contributing to the shaping of DSOs roles. This award wants to highlight the importance of digitalisation in the energy sector and to acknowledge those who are leading the way in creating a more efficient, resilient, and consumer-centric energy system.The Award will be announced during E.DSO 1st FutureGrid Innovation Summit scheduled in Brussels on 6 February 2025.
Eligibility criteria
This opportunity is reserved for start-ups that have developed an innovative, revolutionary and relevant technological tool and digital solution for a future energy system. The eligibility criteria are:
- Start-ups in the early stage: no more than 3 years old
- Number of staff: less than 10
- Special consideration to start-ups that are independently owned companies
ApplicationCandidates are invited to send a brief description (max. 1 page) plus a video (max. 4 mins) of their invention and its contribution to Tiffany Jordan (tiffany.jordan@edsoforsmartgrids.eu) and Paola Testini (paola.testini@edsoforsmartgrids.eu) by 31 October 2024.Evaluation criteria
Applicants should focus their application on the following evaluation criteria:
- Relevance of contribution
- Methods of analysis employed
- Enhancement of the DSO role
Selection process and award
- Candidates will be preliminarily assessed by E.DSO Selection Committee.
- The three (3) best listed candidates will be invited to present their project at E.DSO 1st FutureGrid Innovation Summit in Brussels on 6 February 2025 (part of the exhibition and a short pitch during the event).
- E.DSO FutureGrid Innovation Summit participants will be invited to vote during the event for their preferred candidate via an online tool.
- The winner will be proclaimed at the event.
Benefits
- Opportunity to network with policymakers, EU projects promoters, industry representatives and other stakeholders at E.DSO FutureGrid Innovation Summit.
- High visibility ensured at the ‘Innovation Sparks’ exhibition space reserved for lunch and coffee breaks for the whole duration of the event.
- A dedicated Press Release presenting the winners will be released in the days following the event.
- Start-ups logo(s) will appear on promotional materials in the lead up to the conference, namely, event website (including a dedicated webpage providing more information on the start-ups), newsletters, social media posts.
