ABB Startup Challenge 2025 winners boost energy transition with AI
Summary
“The ABB Startup Challenge enables us to identify talented entrepreneurs and nurture the fresh thinking that is needed to address key energy issues. More than a quarter of the $80 million ABB Electrification has invested in startups since 2020 has been spent on solutions that we’ve identified and developed through our annual competitions.” • Emissium from Switzerland won with their proposal for a comprehensive software platform designed to bring real-time intelligence and AI-powered optimisation to Distribution System Operators. The Emissium tool combines advanced data analytics, forecasting algorithms and digital twins to deliver actionable insights • Better Futures from Dublin, Ireland, won with EVA, the first AI assistant platform built for engineers that automates up to 80% of the relay configuration and validation process. EVA automates these tasks, allowing engineers to focus on high-value work to boost productivity • Swiss Lookthrough proposed an AI-powered software tool for real estate decarbonisation that seamlessly integrates with the ABB energy management ecosystem. Eatron’s solution uses machine learning, physics-based models and data analytics to optimise battery performance, predict failures and reduce downtime Each winning project has the potential to become a market-ready MVP within six months.