"Speeding Up Power Consumption With Minimal Energy"
Rhine Region Embraces Energy Innovation: "Accelerate Power" Program Nurtures Startups
The Rhine region is stepping up its game in the realm of energy innovation, as evidenced by the "Accelerate Power" program. This initiative, a joint effort by RWE and the Rhein-Kreis Neuss, is designed to support and grow innovative energy-focused startups with regional impact.
The program kicked off on March 1st, with Robert Abts, head of economic development for the Rhein-Kreis Neuss, opening the event and expressing his support for new energy business models. Over the past three months, five startups have made it to the final round, refining their business models, prototypes, and market access in workshops and individual coaching sessions guided by experts and mentors from both business and science.
Among the finalists, Minimum energy has been singled out for its promising potential. Tilman Bechthold, head of research and development at RWE Power, expressed admiration for Minimum energy's innovation, stating that they demonstrate the ability to actively shape the energy transition. As a result, Minimum energy has been awarded a €5,000 prize and a twelve-month opportunity to work in the "Innovation Center" of the district. RWE Power and the Rhein-Kreis Neuss have provided further support to Minimum energy.
Other participating startups include Solid Plant, focusing on bio-based industrial materials from hemp plants; CerBaTech, presenting ceramic sodium solid-state batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion; and Chargeunity, introducing a crowdfunding platform for end-users of public charging stations. HeatbrAIn showcased data processing for projects accelerating the heat transition.
The "Accelerate Power" program is a thematic extension of the "accelerate_rkn" program, and its goals align with the KTUR² project's Work Priority 3, which emphasizes entrepreneurship as a driver of innovation in the Upper Rhine region to stimulate economic and energy system transformation. The program is part of broader regional efforts to promote clean energy solutions, including hydrogen infrastructure development, renewable energy expansion, and sustainable battery supply chains.
On September 11th, the Rhein-Kreis Neuss and RWE are hosting the "Future Tech" festival, inviting all participating startups. Tilman Bechthold, head of research and development at RWE Power, expressed his admiration for the innovation potential of the finalists, with Minimum energy standing out for its effective combination of technology use and practicality.
By providing targeted support, networking opportunities, and potentially funding or other resources, "Accelerate Power" aims to position the Rhine region as a leading hub for energy innovation and attract talented startups working on breakthrough energy solutions. As the energy transition continues, the Rhine region is poised to lead the way, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of energy-focused startups driving innovation and sustainability.
- The "Accelerate Power" program, an initiative focusing on energy innovation, aligns with the KTUR² project's Work Priority 3, highlighting the importance of technology as a crucial element in economic and social policy for stimulating regional transformation and innovation.
- In the Rhine region's drive to promote clean energy solutions and foster a vibrant ecosystem of energy-focused startups, programs like "Accelerate Power" offer promising opportunities for startups to develop and integrate technology-driven solutions, contributing substantially to the region's economic and social growth.
