Iberdrola Smart Worker and Networks Security Startup Challenge

Iberdrola operates one of the world’s most extensive energy infrastructures, with more than 400,000 substations and 260,000 km of power lines across multiple countries. Maintaining these assets requires a highly skilled workforce that often works in demanding conditions — handling high-voltage equipment, working at heights, and responding to incidents caused by adverse weather or external factors.

Ensuring worker safety is a top priority, and Iberdrola has implemented stringent safety protocols, digitalized PPE management, and comprehensive training programs based on the "5 golden rules" of risk prevention. However, as technology continues to evolve, there is an urgent need to integrate cutting-edge solutions that can further enhance safety, efficiency, and real-time risk mitigation.

Through the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, Iberdrola has been testing advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, 5G, and augmented reality to improve workplace safety. Innovations like smart PPE, real-time voltage detection, and predictive analytics are already showing potential, but the challenge remains in scaling these solutions for industrial use.

This startup challenge seeks pioneering solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into daily field operations, ensuring industrial maturity while driving the future of occupational safety in the energy sector. The goal is to identify and support innovations that not only enhance worker protection but also align with Iberdrola’s vision of a smarter, safer, and more sustainable energy infrastructure.

The winner of this challenge will receive an exclusive opportunity to collaborate with Perseo and/or other relevant Iberdrola group companies. This includes signing a collaboration and proof-of-concept (PoC) agreement, along with direct membership as a collaborator or associate of the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub (GSGIHub).

WHAT PERSEO AND IBERDROLA WILL OFFER

• Full Coverage of Costs – Perseo and/or the relevant Iberdrola company will assume all costs associated with the collaboration and proof of concept.
• Technical Support & Access – The winner will receive comprehensive technical assistance to test their proposed solution, including access to cutting-edge equipment, appliances, infrastructure, high-tech facilities, and dedicated workspaces.
• Real-World Testing Environment – The winner will be provided with real data and a practical setting to validate their solution.

GROWTH AND INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

Should the proof of concept yield successful results, Perseo and/or the relevant Iberdrola company may offer the opportunity to scale up the solution through commercial agreements. Additionally, PERSEO may explore the possibility of investing in the winning startup or participant.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL SMART GRIDS INNOVATION HUB

As part of the prize, the winning startup will be directly integrated into Iberdrola’s Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, gaining access to a wealth of resources and opportunities, including:

• Coworking Spaces & Labs – Dedicated workspaces and access to state-of-the-art laboratories.
• Talent Development & Training – Participation in training programs and talent attraction initiatives.
• Technology Coordination & Secretariat Services – Support in managing and coordinating technological projects.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Consultancy – Expert guidance on IP protection strategies in business collaboration projects.
• Public Funding & Grants Assistance – Identification and application for relevant funding sources for collaborative initiatives.
• Competitive Intelligence & Market Insights – Regular access to technological surveillance reports and competitive intelligence updates.
• Visibility & Promotion – Opportunities for exposure through marketing and dissemination activities.
• Networking & Collaboration – Exclusive invitations to networking events and industry meetups.

This is a unique opportunity for the winning startup to accelerate innovation, scale their solution, and establish a strategic partnership with one of the world’s leading energy companies.

If selected, your company will collaborate on a pilot project with specialized technicians from Iberdrola.

Iberdrola is no stranger to working with startups and emerging companies - since 2018, the Group has launched over 80 pilot projects with startups to address pressing issues in today's energy networks. Moreover, working with Iberdrola presents a unique opportunity:

Winning this Challenge will award you with signing a collaboration agreement for the development of a proof of concept (PoC). The PoC will be developed in collaboration with Iberdrola or any other relevant Iberdrola group company.

Additionally, PERSEO covers the costs of the pilot activities and provides you with the necessary technical support, giving access to infrastructures and real data to test your solution.

Finally, PERSEO may consider investing in your solution!

Iberdrola, through its PERSEO Start-up Programme, is seeking innovative technological solutions that enhance the safety of field workers by addressing key challenges in prevention, monitoring, response, and compliance. Proposed solutions should align with both internal safety protocols and governmental regulations (Royal Decrees) while improving the overall safety and efficiency of field operations.

The challenge focuses on solutions in the following areas:

PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY
• Smart protection equipment – Wearable or portable sensors that monitor workers in real time, detecting potential risks and alerting them to possible incidents or accidents.
• Securing work areas – Technological tools that restrict unauthorized access to hazardous work zones, ensuring a safer working environment.

MONITORING AND RESPONSE
• Real-time monitoring – A centralized system that collects live data from wearables and sensors, enabling swift responses to incidents.
• Emergency protocols – Mobile-based solutions that provide clear, accessible emergency procedures and allow workers to request immediate assistance.

PROCEDURES AND COMPLIANCE
• Safety procedures – Tools that ensure correct execution of safety protocols and help identify potential hazards before work begins.
• Regulatory compliance – Solutions that facilitate adherence to internal policies and governmental regulations, integrating specific technical and operational procedures.

Iberdrola is looking for practical, scalable, and industry-ready solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into daily field operations.

The winner of the challenge will sign a partnership contract with Iberdrola and/or PERSEO and will be able to test their solution in a real environment.

For the collaboration of the pilot project, Iberdrola will:

• Assume the costs of the collaboration and the proof of concept
• Provide the necessary technical support to test the solution proposed
• Give access to equipment, appliances, infrastructure, high technology sites, and joint work areas
• Provide a real environment and real data to test the solution

The project will be developed in collaboration with technical specialists from Iberdrola.

You are welcome to submit more than one proposal, just make sure to submit a separate application form for each proposal.

The application period for this challenge ends on 11th May 2025.

While evaluating your proposals, Iberdrola will consider the following value propositions, among others:

• Optimized Job Safety and Efficiency – Implementing ergonomic, mature, and easy-to-use solutions that enhance safety-related operations while maintaining a secure and efficient working environment.

• Enhanced Awareness and Training – Increasing worker engagement and education on safety protocols to foster a culture of prevention and risk mitigation.

• Integration of Innovative Technologies – Adopting cutting-edge solutions that improve occupational safety and can serve as scalable models for the energy sector.

• Regulatory Compliance and Industry Impact – Ensuring solutions align with internal and governmental safety regulations while demonstrating **effectiveness and efficiency for broader industry adoption.