GLOBAL OPEN INNOVATION PROGRAMME

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Driving Innovation at Galp

STARTUP THE FUTURE by Galp Upcoming Energies is an open innovation program connecting Galp‘s Business Units and Innovation Centers with disruptive energy startups. Collaborate with Galp, a global energy company that actively partners with startups and already invested more than €100M in innovation projects.

More about upcoming energies

Editions

Applications

%

Winner - Pilot Ratio

Are You Developing Solutions for the Following Challenges?

Renewables

Hybridization, Storage & Co-located Flexibility

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Key Topics

Crypto Mining and Alternative Curtailment Value Streams
Innovative Energy Storage Technologies and Applications
Decision-Making Software for Hybrid Renewable Integration
Operational Excellence for BESS Systems
Safety Applications for BESS Operation

Commercial

Industrial Efficiency & Heat Decarbonization

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Key Topics

Heat decarbonization and waste heat recovery
AI-driven energy management
Advanced air compressor control & monitoring
Virtual energy audits
Carbon accounting platforms

Industrial

Refinery Asset Integrity & Operations

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Key Topics

Autonomous and semi-autonomous inspection of pipelines and tank bottoms
Additive manufacturing solutions for metallic materials
Oil refinery operations optimization and enhancement
Gas and flare safety valve leak detection and quantification
Industrial-scale water demineralization

Upstream

Data Management, Retrieval & GenAI

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Key Topics

Data Management: Collect, organize, validate, and govern seismic, well, and production data for reliable upstream decision-making.
Data Retrieval: Quickly extract and access relevant data from multiple sources to support technical workflows.
Generative AI (GenAI): Use AI to automate interpretations, speed up reporting, and aid complex upstream decisions.

Next-Gen Integrated

Connected Safety & Risk Prevention

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Key Topics

Unified safety-intelligence platforms
Digital tools for safety culture & behavioural awareness
AI-driven risk-analytics solutions

Why Should You Apply?

Selected startups gain unique access to Galp’s network, resources and expertise, with the possibility of building real pilots with lasting commercial potential.

Innovation week in Lisbon

A one-week immersion in Lisbon — with flights and accommodation covered by Galp — to co-create with their team and pitch during Innovation Day.

Meet Galp CVC team

Engage directly with Galp’s CVC and validate strategic fit.

Access to Unicorn Factory Lisboa

Plug into Lisbon’s top startup hub with support, mentor/investor connections, and programs to scale globally. Learn more at Unicorn Factory Lisboa .

Pilot opportunity

Potentially co-develop a fully funded pilot with Galp to test your business and gain access to new markets.

Apply now

What’s Next?

November

Applications open

Launch of the call for solutions. Start preparing and submitting your application.
January

Ask Me Anything webinars

Live sessions to clarify scope, use cases and application requirements.
13 February

Applications close

Final deadline to submit your application to the Galp challenges.
February – March

Review & alignment calls

Evaluation of submissions and 1–1 calls to align on fit, maturity and collaboration potential.
Late March

Finalists announced

Communication of selected finalists invited to move forward with Galp.
June

Demo Day & Innovation Week

Finalists pitch in Lisbon, engage with Galp teams and kick off collaboration with selected partners.

Success Stories

“The most valuable outcome of Startup the Future was establishing our presence in a region we did not cover before. We also presented our data science platform for charge point operators at Galp’s booth during Web Summit.”

Pavol Magic

CEO, Mobilyze — Finalist

“We’re excited to launch a pilot in partnership with Galp, Girls Move, Solar Works and Makobo to support communities with limited access to electricity in Mozambique. We hope to kick off in June.”

Déborah Gaël

Co-Founder & COO, Koolboks — Winner

“Being accepted into such an accelerator program was also a way to provide validation and credibility to Koolboks and help build trust with our investors and partners, which is critical for success in the energy sector.”

Déborah Gaël

Co-Founder & COO at Koolboks — A winner from the first iteration of the STARTUP THE FUTURE Program

JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY TO REGENERATE THE FUTURE!

Apply now