INCENSe launches second open call for cleantech startups

INCENSe’s second Open Call has just been launched, beginning a process that will end with 28 startups being rewarded with up to 150,000 Euros of funding. Small or medium enterprises or web entrepreneurs working on cleantech projects that are based on FIWARE technology can apply online at www.incense-accelerator.com.

Their proposals should fit in the following categories: Energy Efficiency & Home Automation, Renewable energy, Renewable Forecasting Solutions, Smart Grids, Energy Storage, Advanced Diagnostic & Automation Solutions, e-Mobility or Digitalization of Energy through ICT. 

“We are really proud of this initiative” said Ernesto Ciorra, Enel’s Head of Innovation and Sustainability. “The INCENSe project is creating huge value: we have the opportunity to meet great startups, who are taking advantage of the experience, the support and the advice of some of the most important players in energy and startup acceleration. We want to find new companies and entrepreneurs who are willing to show us their potential, and our Group’s structure allows us to support and work together with them in the development of joint projects, creating new value in the process.”

INCENSe can offer 8 million Euros of total investment, and it will both accelerate and provide support services to cleantech startups. The winners will have the unique opportunity to develop their ideas jointly with leading energy and business incubation players Enel, Endesa, Accelerace and Funding Box.

The 14 startups already selected in the previous Open Call launched in October have started their accelerator programmes and begun development of their projects with the support of INCENSe partners. On June 8th, the first INCENSe Camp began in Rome with a kick off meeting that was followed by an intensive three-day workshop aimed at honing their business skills.

INCENSe is creating a network of startups, ideas and projects, and during the camp the startups also had the opportunity to discuss and look at new projects that they could potentially carry out together.

Co-funded by the European Commission, INCENSe is the only cleantech and energy accelerator  belonging to the European FIWARE Accelerate programme. With an overall budget of 80 million Euros, the programme will help European startups to develop products and services that use FIWARE internet-based, open-source technologies. Information on this technology can be found at www.fiware.org