Iren Startup Award 2024: Call 4 Artificial Intelligence

The Call seeks innovative digital solutions (software and hardware connected to intelligent software) based on artificial intelligence to optimize and make the Group's business processes more efficient across all business units:La call ricerca soluzioni digitali (software e hardware connessi a software intelligenti) innovative basate sull'intelligenza artificiale, per ottimizzare e rendere più efficienti i propri processi aziendali all'interno di tutte le business unit del Gruppo:

 includes the management and distribution of electricity, gas, water, and wastewater treatment. Consumption optimization and
efficient infrastructure management are particularly relevant.

deals with waste cycle management and the circular economy. The focus is on technologies that automate waste collection and treatment or improve resource efficiency by turning waste into added value.

the business unit active in the production of electricity and heat, district heating, public lighting, and renewable energy. Solutions should focus on energy efficiency, smart resource management, and electrification.

the business unit responsible for the sale of electricity, gas, and related services, including those related to home automation and electric mobility. In this area, technologies that improve customer interaction, profiling, and personalization of energy offerings are in high demand.

1. The integration of innovative technologies, applicable across Iren's various sectors, will address crucial challenges such as corporate process optimization, predictive maintenance, intelligent resource management, and service personalization for customers.

Some examples of innovative technologies that could support Iren's businesses:

• VR and AR solutions to support operators in inspection and maintenance activities
• Real-time image recognition on waste sorting lines
• Digital twin for the creation of predictive models and simulations reconciled with mapping and asset management information
• Advanced robotics for waste and WEEE management and treatment, with the integration of CER codes for traceability
• Automation tools with Gen-AI models for operational management
• Virtual sensors and data-driven monitoring systems to improve the resilience of energy and water networks
• AI for customer profiling and optimization of energy services and electric mobility offerings
• Predictive maintenance for the electricity grid and water cycle
• Analysis of domestic consumption and load disaggregation
• Process optimization algorithms for water and sewage pumping cycles.

During the Selection Day, up to 10 startups and innovative SMEs will be selected to move on to the next phases of the initiative, dedicated to developing collaborations with the Iren Group. The opportunities include becoming suppliers or realizing Proof of Concept (POC) projects, creating strategic commercial partnerships, accelerating the development of innovative projects with the support of a multi-utility leader in innovation, and accessing direct and indirect investments from the Iren Group.
Selected startups will also have the opportunity to be introduced to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation for evaluation, with the possibility of accessing the EMF Community Platform and being included in the Circular Startup Index.