Swissnex San Francisco announces winners of the SAFT Challenge

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09.02.2016

As initiators of SAFT – Energy startup solutions for 2050, swissnex San Francisco, Impact Hub Fellowship Association, and Impact Hub Zürich announce the final participants in this first-of-its-kind international program focused on the electricity sector.

Nine startups with a variety of solutions for distributed energy, energy efficiency, and smart cities were selected to pitch their ventures to an expert jury and jockey for a spot in the lean accelerator program.

SAFT offers a one-month boot camp in Zurich followed by a one-week market expedition in Silicon Valley, and an additional three months of incubation afterward in Zurich—an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate entrepreneurship and the clean energy transition in Switzerland simultaneously. The jury has selected the first SAFT cohort of energy entrepreneurs:

Adaptricity
Decision Support Software that enables Distribution System Operators to integrate more renewables into their grid while maintaining grid stability and saving operation and planning costs.

BATTRION
Innovative fabrication technologies for lithium ion batteries aimed at increasing the charging speed of high energy density cells.

CARBON DELTA
Carbon ratings that help investors improve the assessment of climate risks in their portfolios; a collaboration with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the rating agency Independent Credit View.

Joulia
Modular heat exchangers to recycle heat from shower drain water.

WATTELSE
Automation and optimization software that can analyze building control and energy data to identify where energy and comfort are lost.

Younergy
Service that allows residential customers, corporations, and other property owners to benefit from affordable solar electricity with no upfront investment.

“I’m very excited to be part of the SAFT program with WATTELSE,” says Founder Martin Hofer. “It is a great opportunity to review our business for the American market together with corresponding experts. And I’m curious about the spirit of the Silicon Valley and the inspiration of the whole journey.”

The jury had an intense day pouring over the application materials, and a tough time deciding amongst the high quality of products and pitches they heard throughout the day. Special attention was given to the impact potential of the ventures including: degree of innovation, international growth potential, business model, and team.
“I had a great day at the Impact Hub Zürich,” said juror Markus Balmer, Head of Strategy and Innovation at IWB, the local utility in Basel. “It’s fascinating to see these start-up teams pushing forward to challenge the energy markets, its incumbents and regulatory systems, empower customers and improve sustainability. I’m looking forward to our Silicon Valley visit!”

About SAFT
Swissnex San Francisco, Impact Hub Fellowship and Impact Hub Zürich joined forces to leverage the power of international collaboration to advance the energy transition in Switzerland by initiating SAFT – Energy startup solutions for 2050. The initiators want to use the strength of entrepreneurship to help accelerate the shift to a clean energy system, a goal the country has set to achieve by 2050.

The year 2050 is an important benchmark for humanity. Between now and then, we must de-carbonize our societies or else face irreversible consequences. Entrepreneurs are an integral part of ensuring that the energy transition happens on time and within budget – our shared carbon budget.

(Press release swissnex San Francisco)

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