Five innovative startups have emerged as winners of the ABB Startup Challenge 2025, recognized for their cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence to drive smarter energy use across industries, buildings, power grids, and utilities. Chosen from over 155 applicants across 37 countries, each winner will receive $30,000 in funding to co-develop a project with ABB. The goal is to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with potential for global rollout through ABB’s network of customers and partners. ABB experts will guide each team through the development phase.
Now in its sixth year, the ABB Startup Challenge is an annual initiative designed to uncover bold ideas that tackle energy and sustainability challenges. In addition to the funding, the winners gain access to mentoring from Microsoft and advisors at Synerleap, ABB’s startup accelerator.
“The Startup Challenge is our way of connecting with visionary entrepreneurs who bring fresh approaches to energy innovation,” said Massimo Muzzì, Head of Strategy, Business Development, and Sustainability at ABB Electrification. “By combining ABB’s expertise with startup agility, we’re able to shape new solutions and business models. More than 25% of the $80 million we’ve invested in startups since 2020 came from these challenge programs.”
The 2025 ABB Startup Challenge has announced its winners, highlighting five innovative companies making strides in digital solutions and sustainability. Among them is Emissium from Switzerland, which has developed a software platform tailored for Distribution System Operators. The platform enables real-time monitoring of emissions and supports better decision-making through advanced analytics, forecasting tools, and digital twin technology. This approach helps optimize both operational costs and long-term planning.
From Ireland, Better Futures impressed with EVA, an AI-powered assistant designed specifically for engineers. EVA automates up to 80% of the tasks involved in relay configuration and validation, significantly increasing efficiency. By handling routine documentation and verification work, the solution frees up engineers to focus on higher-value activities, ultimately improving productivity in electrical infrastructure projects.
Swiss Lookthrough offered a decarbonization tool aimed at transforming the real estate sector. Seamlessly integrating with ABB’s existing energy management systems, this solution enables property owners to track energy consumption in real time and plan retrofit projects more effectively. Through advanced modeling and simulation, the tool provides insights that help reduce emissions and guide sustainable building upgrades.
Contextere, based in Canada, showcased the ABB Madison DrivePilot, a smart analytics solution for motor drive systems. Built on Contextere’s AI platform, DrivePilot delivers real-time monitoring and decision-making support to enhance the performance, commissioning, and maintenance of motor drives. This tool is designed to bring intelligence and reliability to industrial motor operations.
Finally, Eatron Technologies from the UK presented a cutting-edge battery optimization system powered by artificial intelligence. Their solution combines machine learning, physics-based modeling, and data analytics to improve battery safety, extend operational lifespan, and boost overall performance. Eatron’s innovation is especially relevant in sectors where efficient and reliable energy storage is critical.
Each project is expected to reach MVP stage within six months. Since launching the program in 2020, ABB has helped deliver more than 20 MVPs and continues to support earlier winners and finalists in securing commercial contracts and scaling up.
ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, aims to support a more efficient and sustainable future. With over 110,000 employees and operations in over 100 countries, ABB combines engineering expertise and digital innovation to help industries perform at their best.
