The Google for Startups AI for Energy Accelerator Program officially launched last week in Paris with an intensive bootcamp designed to connect innovators, industry leaders, and technology partners. This initiative aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate solutions for the energy transition, addressing critical challenges such as grid modernization, flexibility, and decarbonization.

EPRI Europe joined the event as an energy partner, reinforcing its commitment to advancing innovation in the power sector. Representing EPRI, Anne-Lise Laurain participated in the Energy Partner Panel, which focused on how startups are driving progress in grid modernization and flexibility—two essential enablers for integrating renewable energy and ensuring system reliability.

The panel brought together leading voices from across the energy ecosystem, including Han Stegeman (TenneT), Nicolas Beaumont (TotalEnergies), and Paul Rouillé (CurrENT Europe). Discussions centered on the importance of collaboration between established organizations and emerging companies to scale solutions that will deliver a more resilient and sustainable grid.

The bootcamp also introduced the AI for Energy Accelerator cohort, a group of innovative startups developing cutting-edge tools in areas such as predictive analytics, demand flexibility, renewable integration, and energy efficiency. These companies will work closely with Google and partners like EPRI to refine their technologies and bring impactful solutions to market.