Are you developing a cutting-edge digital solution or breakthrough technological innovation that will facilitate the energy transition and leave a significant impact on society? Then you are in the right place!
E.DSO, the Association of Distribution System Operators (DSOs), is pleased to announce the launch of the ‘4th E.DSO Digital & Innovation Award’, which recognises the most impactful digital and technological innovations helping shape the evolving role of DSOs. This award highlights not only the growing importance of digitalisation in the energy sector, but also broader innovations that contribute to a smarter, more resilient, and consumer-centric energy system.
The Award will be announced during E.DSO 3rd FutureGrid Innovation Summit scheduled in Brussels on 11 February 2027.
Eligibility criteria
This opportunity is open to start-ups that have developed an innovative and relevant technological tool or digital solution for a future energy system. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be founded within the past 7 years
- Employ fewer than 40 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees across all affiliated international entities (including subsidiaries, branches, and parent companies, if applicable)
- Be involved in at least one completed or advanced project with a DSO company
- Demonstrate potential for growth and international scaling
Startups founded in the European Union and/or headquartered in an EU member state are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application process
Candidates are invited to complete the application form at this LINK and a supporting video to Veronica Cardoni (veronica.cardoni@edsoforsmartgrids.eu) by 20 November 2026.
Evaluation criteria
Applicants should focus their application on the following evaluation criteria:
- Innovation and technological originality
- Impact on DSO ecosystem
- DSO engagement
- Scalability and growth potential
Selection process and award
- Candidates will be preliminarily assessed by E.DSO Selection Committee.
- The five (5) best-listed candidates will be invited to present their project at E.DSO 3rd FutureGrid Innovation Summit in Brussels on 11 February 2027, both as part of the exhibition area and by delivering a pitch with slides of 3 minutes 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 exhibition space for the 2027 event 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.
- The winner will be invited to the following year’s edition to join the exhibition area and provide an update on their progress.