Work with VERBUND and with leading European companies on the future of energy and infrastructure.

Are you ready to accelerate your business and test your solutions in the energy and infrastructure industries? VERBUND and its partners are looking for startups, technology companies and SMEs to develop new business opportunities. Work in one team with VERBUND’s employees and its partners. Benefit from top-management involvement for fast decision-making regarding the project implementation.

VERBUND is Austria's leading electricity company and one of the largest producers of electricity from hydropower in Europe. Close to 100% of our electricity generation comes from climate friendly, renewable hydropower. VERBUND operates 127 hydropower plants in Austria and Germany and trades in electricity in 12 countries. With its approximately 3.000 employees, VERBUND has a revenue of 2.9 billion euros.

Together with you, VERBUND and its partners want to create solutions that shape the future of energy and infrastructure and secure the supply chain. Join forces with all these strong partners and help to develop innovative business solutions.

Stausee in Kaprun

Meet the amazing startups and tech champions of our current edition

In our three-day Inonvation Camp, our corporate partners and employees joined forces with technology champions from all over the world to prove they can solve the most relevant challenges of today. Thirteen exciting pilot projects were selected to move into the acceleration phase.

Meet our startups

Explore the search fields of our current edition that will shape the future of energy and infrastructure

We are looking for an alternative production of green hydrogen with non-electrolyzer technologies (e.g., based on photosynthesis or photocatalysis), but also innovative electrolyzer technologies on all levels (cell, stack, system).
Moreover, we are searching for safe and cost-efficient storage (container-based and modular) and transportation solutions (compressing and liquifying) for large quantities of green hydrogen or an H2 carrier. H2 could be made available on-demand locally and used to generate electricity in a fuel cell or an H2 gas power plant with those innovative solutions.

Hydrogen Storage & Logistics | Green Hydrogen | Alternative Production
Corporate Partner: VERBUND | OMV | ANDRITZ
Energy communities organize collective and citizen-driven energy actions that will help pave the way for a clean energy transition while moving citizens to the fore. To improve energy community and their management we are looking for solutions in terms of demand response, self-consumption maximization, decentralized systems, vehicle to grid, energy storage, behavioral energy efficiency, legislation process and structural IT Problems. Also, we are looking for software tools or service companies knowing how to set up and manage the invoicing process for energy communities.

Energy Community Management | Invoicing Tools | Demand Response | V2G | Decentralized Systems | Self-Consumption Maximization
Corporate Partner: VERBUND | Alperia
To optimize the energy consumption forecast based on load curves for industrial customers in the production planning phase, we are looking for innovative technologies using AI and machine learning for prediction modeling. The solution should be applicable across different industries and predict energy consumption for a specific production site (not a general asset portfolio).

Energy Consumption Forecasting | Industrial load curve prediction modeling | Cross-Industry | Industrial IoT | Production Planning
Corporate Partner: VERBUND | Alperia
There is an increased demand for forecasting methods in the energy markets due to the smart-meter-roll-out, and new and more flexible products. They also need to be adopted to new framework conditions continuously. Therefore, we are looking for innovative solutions to optimize energy and gas portfolio management with AI and machine learning. Fields of interest lie in stochastic asset optimization, automated portfolio hedging, machine learning for directional trading, news feed and fundamental analysis optimization, as well as price forecasting and flexibility analytics.

Stochastic Asset Optimization | Energy and Gas Demand | Directional Trading | Automated Portfolio Hedging | Price Forecasting
Corporate Partner: Alperia
Augmented reality allows training staff better and more on-demand. Therefore, we are searching for partners using AR/VR in different training settings, e.g., for unmanned liquid natural gas/H2 filling stations. Easy handling, 24/7 availability, and legal proof documentation are needed.
In another interesting use case for AR, we search for partners to improve building functionalities with indoor navigation and predictive maintenance.

AR | VR | Training | Indoor Navigation | Predictive Maintenance
Corporate Partner: OMV | BIG
The data collected in the past years should be used to generate numerous opportunities in terms of complete energy solutions, business value, and optimum customer service satisfaction in any facility. Therefore, we are looking for companies that can realize the idea of creating a structured way to collect, process, and analyze a set of data. Data analytics are intended to improve building performance, increase the facility's functionality, gain better insights into consumer behavior, generate more revenue, attract new customers, and increase customer loyalty.

Facility Management Analytics | Data Processing | Building Performances | Facility Benchmarking
Corporate Partner: BIG
The negative effects of CO2 are well known. Changing perspective by using CO2 as feedstock for usable products can contribute to climate protection and new value creation. We are searching for innovative solutions to bind and process the CO2 molecules. Possible feedstock could be aerogels, building material, or synthetic chemical compounds.

CO2 Reduction | CO2 based Products & Materials | Liquid CO2
Corporate Partner: OMV
Utilizing large amounts of heat (temperatures > 100 °C) generated as a byproduct e.g. in the steel industry offers an enormous potential to convert them into electric energy. Our interest is in all technologies and processes to increase efficiency and reduce the cost of thermoelectric generation (TEG). We are searching for partners to bring TEG into reality on an industrial scale.

TEG Modules | Seebeck Effect | Heat Flux | High Temperature Production Processes | Industrial Scalability
Corporate Partner: voestalpine Steel Devision
To operate the highway network, especially traffic control units, dynamic road signs, environmental monitoring, lighting, cameras, tollgates, self-sufficiently and environmentally friendly, we are searching for high-performing micro wind systems and turbines. These micro wind turbines need to function with great persistence, low maintenance, light weight and handle vibrations, snow, and ice. The structure should be robust and the assembly should be versatile.

Micro Wind Systems/Turbines | High Performance | Self-sufficient Highway Service Stations | Intelligent Traffic Systems
Corporate Partner: ASFINAG

Benefits for startups and tech champions

The Verbund X Accelerator offers great benefits for startups and SMEs to create success projects and a result-driven collaboration.

  • proof of concept, budget

    Get dedicated budget to develop a proof-of-concept (PoC) project and accelerate your success.

    Receive a proof-of concept budget

    Get dedicated budget to develop a proof-of-concept (PoC) project and accelerate your success.

  • fast , decision

    Benefit from top-management involvement for fast decision-making regarding the implementation right at the Demo Day event.

    Structured process and fast decision-making

    Benefit from top-management involvement for fast decision-making regarding the implementation right at the Demo Day event.

  • large customer

    Get access to the customer base of Austria’s largest energy and infrastructure companies.

    Get access to a large customer base

    Get access to the customer base of Austria’s largest energy and infrastructure companies.

  • valuable, resources

    Benefit from getting access to resources, expert know-how, markets, and a large network.

    Get access to valuable resources

    Benefit from getting access to resources, expert know-how, markets, and a large network.

  • expert, monitoring

    Accelerate your business idea through expert mentoring and benefit from their industry knowledge.

    Expert mentoring

    Accelerate your business idea through expert mentoring and benefit from their industry knowledge.

  • strong, partners

    Work with Europe’s leading companies, successful and experienced industry leaders in one team.

    Get strong and dedicated partners

    Work with Europe’s leading companies, successful and experienced industry leaders in one team.

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We have thirteen exciting pilot projects in the acceleration phase. Check out our journey and the progress so far.

06.08.2021 / Application Phase

400+ applications from startups and tech champions around the globe

13.09.2021 – 16.09.2021 / Remote Pitches

14 exciting startups were selected in our remote pitches

12.10.2021 – 14.10.2021 / Innovation Camp

Startups and partners worked on how they will test and implement their new pilot project.

November 2021 – March 2022 / Acceleration Phase

13 promising pilot projects are currently building their solutions.

Find our startups here

March 2022 

Demo Day

Successful Launch
and Cooperation

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The Verbund X Accelerator – A joint approach to drive innovation

We utilize co-creation between leading European companies and startups to built up strong connections and foster innovation. We create a common understanding of our current challenges and provide a safe space for working on ideas in joint project teams. We believe that only together, we are able to tackle the challenges of the future.

Leading European companies come together
to reshape the energy and infrastructure with co-creation

We are proud to join forces with our partners.
Each an innovative frontrunner in their sector.

More about us

Use Case Partners

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Community Partners

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Our amazing mentors and experts

Franz, Zöchbauer Franz Zöchbauer

VERBUND

Director Corporate Innovation & New Business

Dirk Langhammer Dirk Langhammer

OMV

VP Business Transformation, OMV Downstream GmbH

Annalisa Andaloro, Innovation Manager Annalisa Andaloro

Alperia

Innovation Manager

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Thomas, Greiner Thomas Greiner

ASFINAG

Strategy Owner Innovation

Thomas, Bürgler Thomas Bürgler

voestalpine Steel Division

Head of R&D Ironmaking

Helmut, Wöginger Dr. Helmut Wöginger

ANDRITZ

Vice President Group Business Development

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Christian, Wolf Christian Wolf

Raiffeisen Bank International

Head of Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystems

alexander hägel, Head of Strategy Alexander Häge

Mainova

Head of Strategy, Innovation, Portfolio Management and Venture

Anderas, Schwarzenbrunner Andreas Schwarzenbrunner

Speedindvest

Partner

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Martin, Holzinger Martin Holzinger

ÖBAG

Direktor Österreichische Beteiligungs AG

Bernhard, Puttinger Bernhard Puttinger

Green Tech Cluster

CEO

Hans, Peter, Blahowsky Hans-Peter Blahowsky

Austrian Institute of Technology

Startup Catalyst

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Michael, Andrae Michael Andrae

Post

Central Innovation Responsible

Matthias, Plattner Matthias Plattner

BIG

Head of Property & Facility Management Austria

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Highlights from our first edition

In 2020 we kicked off our successful accelerator and partnered with BIG, OMV, Post, ÖBAG, Erste Bank, Voestalpine, RISE, and Green Tech Cluster to focus on search fields like Hydropower, Energy Forecast, Energy Efficiency, Hydrogen, Photovoltaic, and Infrastructure.

Over 300 startups from 43 countries and 6 continents applied to be a part of our success story. This story was written with +100 participants at the Innovation Camp and furthermore 6 projects in the ongoing pilot phase. In a joint team the company partners and startups are working together on innovative projects.
We are very proud of the fruitful cooperation that emerged together with our partners. 

Quote from our partner startup

"The cooperation has been excellent between both Teams. Actually, I was quite surprised that the Team of VERBUND identified the unique feature of our technology, which we were aware of, but not many people were, and this is the basis of the cooperation."
Guido Dalessi, CEO Elestor

 

Frequently Asked Questions

As of right now, the program with all workshops and events are planned remotely. So there is no need for traveling. Changes might occur during the process, but any changes will be announced on this website.
Yes, if traveling is required in the program, reasonable travel expenses (transportation to and from Vienna, accommodation for non-residents) will be reimbursed following VERBUND travel expenses rules (train, flight economy, taxi/rental car/own car if necessary). However, if the event won’t take place on-site but remotely, no travel and accommodation expenses will be covered.
Please hand in workshop input, documentation, and pitches in English. While you are working in your team, the language of your choice can be spoken.
No. We are equally interested in startups, and SMEs working on technologies, solutions, or services that could be used for the energy and infrastructure industry but have not yet provided an application in this field.
Apply here on the website by clicking on one of the “Apply Now” buttons and fill out the application form and provide the core information about your company. It takes approximately 15 minutes to register and present your startup. If we require further information, we will contact you for a personal interview.
Application deadline is the 6th of August 2021, 23:59 CET
The best startups will be invited to a remote/digital pitch in front of the managers and domain experts from VERBUND and its partners to discuss their business model, technology, and potential use cases. Successful candidates will then be invited to the Innovation Camp.
The selected startups will enter the Acceleration (Proof-of-Concept) phase and will pitch at the final event in front of the top management of VERBUND and its partners. Successful teams will then be given a chance to enter a cooperation with VERBUND or its use case partners Alperia, Andritz, ASFINAG, Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft, OMV, voestalpine Steel Division.

A jury consisting of the members of the top management of VERBUND and its use case partners Alperia, Andritz, ASFINAG, Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft, OMV, voestalpine Steel Division.

  • For the search field, Hydrogen, management from Andritz, OMV, and VERBUND, will decide about further participation.
  • For the search field, CO2 as Feedstock, management from OMV will decide about further participation.
  • For the search field, Thermoelectric Generation, management from voestalpine Steel Division, will decide about further participation.
  • For the search field, Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality, management from Bundesimmobiliengeselschaft and OMV will decide about further participation.
  • For the search field Energy & Gas Portfolio Management, management from Alperia will decide about further participation.
  • For the search field, Digital Solutions for Industrial Energy Management and the search fields Energy Communities, management from Alperia and VERBUND will decide about further participation.
  • For the search field Optimizing Energy for Buildings management from Alperia and Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft will decide about further participation.
  • For the search field, Data for Buildings management from Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft will decide about further participation.
  • For the search field, Micro Wind Turbines management from ASFINAG will decide about further participation.
Community partners are members of the overall VERBUND X Accelerator network. They will be involved in key events of the program as guests and also can play an expert and mentoring role for startups and other partners. But they are not involved in decision-making in the Selection and Acceleration Phases of the program.
Community Partners of the VERBUND X Accelerator are: Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), Austrian Post, Google Austria, Greentech Cluster, Mainova, ÖBAG, Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), Speedinvest
Use case partners are also members of the comprehensive VERBUND X Accelerator network. In addition, they will be involved in decision-making in the Selection and Acceleration Phases.
Use case partners of the VERBUND X Accelerator are: Alperia, Andritz, ASFINAG, Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft (BIG), OMV, VERBUND, voestalpine Steel Division
During the Innovation Camp (12.10. -14.10.2021), the business units of the participating use case partners and startups will jointly identify a pilot project for their potential collaboration. Then there will be decided by the top management of VERBUND and its use case partners of which startup can enter the Acceleration phase. The Acceleration Phase (approx. November 2021 to end of March 2022) is designed to execute the pilot projects directly and, therefore, validate the collaboration.

Each startup-corporate team defines its own pilot scope during the Innovation Camp (12.10.2021 – 14.10.2021) for the following Acceleration Phase (approx. November 2021 to end of March 2022). As the projects are vastly different from each other in their technologies and timelines, we are looking for pilots that get the partnership started.
Budget for testing, field trials, and prototyping are foreseen (the amount depends on the project scope, subject to negotiations), travel costs subsidized.

Contact us

Bernadette, Zrenner Bernadette Zrenner

WhatAVenture GmbH


Head of Scouting VERBUND X Accelerator

Send email

Feltmann, Edward Edward Feltmann

VERBUND AG


Program Lead of VERBUND X Accelerator

Send email

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