S3E Reverse: The Zenith-Vodéna alliance redefining Smart Cities planning and energy management
Through the S3E Reverse program, energy provider Zenith and Serbian startup Vodéna are joining forces to reshape the landscape of smart cities, while driving technological progress and sustainable development.
The S3E Reverse program is part of the South3E EU-funded project, consisting of a dedicated brokerage program connecting corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by startups from Southern Europe. This program is built on a successful open innovation methodology designed to foster collaboration and drive technological advancement.
The business match between Zenith and Vodéna
Zenith, with its extensive experience in the energy sector, got hooked with a pressing challenge: the need for accurate power and gas demand forecasting algorithms for both residential and commercial users. Accurate forecasting is crucial for optimizing resources, reducing waste and ensuring a reliable supply of energy. However, developing these predictive models in-house proved to be a complex and resource-intensive task.
When Zenith presented this challenge, it became one of the many critical problems awaiting innovative solutions in the S3E Reverse Open Call, an initiative designed to connect large organizations with innovative solutions from SMEs and scale-ups across Southern Europe. This open call invites participants to submit their ideas and products to address specific challenges posed by large corporations and boost cross-border business opportunities.
Our S3E Deep Tech broker, Dimitris Papageorgiou, has played an essential role in making this match happen, finding the perfect solution to the challenge. Dimitris is the Innovation Funding Manager at TVP Solar, a Swiss manufacturer of high-vacuum flat solar thermal panels and a provider of turn-key solutions for industrial and district heating and cooling applications.
Thanks to Dimitris' involvement in S3E Reverse, Vodéna was introduced as an innovative startup with a rich academic heritage to meet Zenith's challenge. Emerging as a spin-off from the Faculty of Science at the University of Kragujevac, Vodéna excels in software development for physical and data-driven modelling. Their flagship product, BlackFox, stood out as the perfect solution for Zenith's needs.
Mutual benefits and industry impact
BlackFox is a cloud-based, automated platform designed to generate predictive models. It boasts a "set and forget" functionality that continuously creates, monitors and refines data-driven models, making it an ideal tool for businesses looking to integrate artificial intelligence without the hefty overheads of scarce talent and expensive infrastructure.
The BlackFox platform, divided into two key modules, leverages an evolutionary process to generate optimal machine learning models and, at the same time, automates the production, management, and deployment of predictive models on an industrial scale.
For Zenith, BlackFox offers seamless integration into its operations, enabling it to forecast energy demands with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.
With the implementation of BlackFox, Zenith can better manage the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) into the grid. This capability is essential for the development of sustainable urban environments where energy efficiency, reduced emissions and optimal resource management are paramount.
By leveraging Vodéna's Smarticity platform, which is based on BlackFox technology, cities can manage energy systems more efficiently, involving thousands of producers and consumers. This alternative approach to energy management is crucial for developing smart cities, where technology and data play a central role in enhancing the quality of life for residents.
This collaboration showcases how established corporations and agile startups can come together to tackle complex challenges, paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future.
A call to innovators: apply to be a Solver and join the Deep Tech revolution!
This partnership between Sogrape and Agritrack is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing industry challenges. By leveraging Agritrack’s advanced technology, Sogrape is poised to enhance its supply chain transparency and ensure its products’ highest standards of quality and authenticity.
We invite all Deep Tech startups and SMEs based in Southern Europe to explore our challenges and join the S3E Reverse program as a Solver. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024.
For more information and to apply, click here.
S3E Reverse: Zenith and Inteligg unite to improve efficiency in energy consumption
Through the S3E Reverse program, energy provider Zenith and Greek startup Inteligg are forging a transformative partnership to enhance the forecasting capabilities of energy demand for more efficient and sustainable environmental impact assessments.
The S3E Reverse program is part of the South3E EU-funded project, consisting of a dedicated brokerage program connecting corporate challenges with deep tech solutions developed by startups from Southern Europe. This program is built on a successful open innovation methodology designed to foster collaboration and drive technological advancement.
The business match between Zenith and Inteligg
Zenith, considered the the No 1 supplier of natural gas and electricity in Greece, was facing the complex challenge of developing advanced power and gas demand forecasting algorithms for residential and commercial users. By joining the S3E Reverse program as a 'Challenger, Zenith found an ideal collaborator in Inteligg, a pioneering Greek startup specialised in delivering intelligent, innovative, sustainable solutions for Smart Cities and communities.
The assigned S3E Deep Tech broker, Dimitris Papageorgiou, played an essential role in making this match happen, finding the perfect solution to the challenge. Dimitris is the Innovation Funding Manager at TVP Solar SA, Switzerland, a manufacturer of high-vacuum flat solar thermal panels and a provider of turn-key solutions for industrial and district heating and cooling applications.
Under the South3E EU-funded innovation action, this collaboration fosters Inteligg's Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) to help Zenith enhance its forecasting capabilities on energy demand. By collecting historical energy demand data from smart meters and additional sensors, Inteligg's technology enables precise monitoring and management of energy consumption. Zenith will integrate this system within its residential and corporate customer bases, potentially exploring demand-side heating and cooling management within energy communities.
Mutual benefits and industry impact
This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling energy industry challenges as Zenith leverages Inteligg's advanced technology to achieve its forecasting goals more efficiently and accurately. This synergy enhances Zenith's operational capabilities and highlights the potential for emerging startups to drive progress within established companies.
Inteligg's portfolio incorporates cloud-based Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), smart thermostats and turnkey building installations. The founding team, composed of mechanical, electrical, aerospace and computer engineers, brings extensive experience in national and international research projects. Their work spans energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, environmental impact assessment and ICT solutions.
While Zenith benefits from improved forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency, Inteligg gains a significant platform to showcase its solutions and expand its market presence.
Regarding the industry impact, the implementation of energy efficiency solutions encourages sustainable behaviours among residents and businesses. Real-time energy monitoring and management systems provide users with insights into their energy consumption patterns, promoting awareness and encouraging more sustainable practices.
To conclude, their work on energy efficiency solutions is essential to the sustainability of smart cities. They offer an alternative approach to enhancing urban living, conserving the environment, boosting the economy, and fostering a culture of sustainability. As cities worldwide continue to grow and evolve, adopting energy-efficient technologies will be crucial in building resilient, sustainable and thriving urban communities.
A call to innovators: apply to be a Solver and join the Deep Tech revolution!
This partnership between Sogrape and Agritrack is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing industry challenges. By leveraging Agritrack’s advanced technology, Sogrape is poised to enhance its supply chain transparency and ensure its products’ highest standards of quality and authenticity.
We invite all Deep Tech startups and SMEs based in Southern Europe to explore our challenges and join the S3E Reverse program as a Solver. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Let’s revolutionize the Southern European Deep Tech ecosystem together!