Smart-grid innovation reaps benefits of InnoEnergy's pan-European network

Enervalis, the developers of SMARTPOWER Suite - a cloud-based suite that enables energy producers, storage providers and consumers to automatically optimise their energy demand based on available supply - has secured €4.2 million funding from a consortium including ABB Technology Ventures (ATV), a member of the InnoEnergy venture capital (VC) community.

Enervalis plans to use the funding to support the development of its SMARTPOWER Suite. Other members of the investment consortium include Belgian investment company LRM and Limburg sustainable public funders Nuhma.

The company is also collaborating with ABB to develop a flexible smart home device, called Living Space, Smart Home, which combines Enervalis software and ABBs hardware to provide users with energy savings of up to 15 per cent.

InnoEnergy, the innovation engine for sustainable energy across Europe, is the continents largest industry accelerator. As part of its offering, InnoEnergy provides start-ups with direct access to VC decision-makers to support them towards commercial success. The companys VC community boasts a network of 11 companies ranging from Iberdrola, the Spanish utility, to Total, the French multinational integrated oil and gas company.

"Being a part of InnoEnergys VC community provides us with opportunities to learn from, access and partner with the organisations exciting portfolio of emerging and disruptive technologies in early-stage development," says Dr Kurt Kaltenegger, Group Vice President and Head of Technology, ATV. "Enervalis innovation provides value to all stakeholders in the energy system - we are extremely excited to be supporting their growth and partnering with them on this new product."

Enervalis joined InnoEnergys renowned Highway programme - a bespoke service to drive early stage start-ups to commercial success - in 2013. As part of that programme, InnoEnergy has invested in the start-up, provided tailored business guidance and exclusive support with recruitment, by connecting them with PhD school graduates to fill key roles.

"Enervalis is a textbook example of how our approach is fostering the development of breakthrough innovations. Our introduction of Enervalis and ATV in 2014 was the crucial starting point for the recent funding success," said Stefan Smets, Business Creation Officer, InnoEnergy Benelux. "The InnoEnergy Highway has successfully opened doors for Enervalis and many other start-ups, helping them to attract new investors and partners and accelerate the journey to commercialisation."

Cees Geel, board member, Enervalis, adds: "InnoEnergy has supported our growth every step of the way, through all the usual struggles that come when starting a business. You simply cant put a price tag on the support they have provided. This introduction to ATV has proven to be crucial in fostering our growth and driving our commercial success."