"Increase power with minimal energy consumption"
Rhein-Kreis Neuss and RWE Power Boost Energy Start-ups with "Accelerate Power" Program
The "Accelerate Power" program, a joint initiative by RWE Power and the Rhein-Kreis Neuss, kicked off in March 2025, aiming to support start-ups focused on energy-related innovations. After three intense months, five start-ups have advanced to the final round.
The final event was opened by Robert Abts, head of economic development in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss. The participating start-ups showcased their innovative projects, including Solid Plant, which showcased bio-based industrial materials from hemp plants, CerBaTech with ceramic sodium solid-state batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion, Chargeunity introducing a crowdfunding platform for end-users of public charging stations, and HeatbrAIn demonstrating data processing for projects accelerating the heat transition.
Tilman Bechthold, head of research and development at RWE Power, expressed his impression of the finalists' projects. The event underscores the Rhein-Kreis Neuss's profile as a hub for energy and energy-intensive industries.
The program offers selected start-ups expert mentoring, workshops, and coaching for developing their business models, prototypes, and market access. The winning start-up, Minimum Energy, will receive a €5,000 prize and a twelve-month opportunity to work in the "Innovation Center" of the district. Besides Minimum Energy, the finalists included CerBaTech, Solid Plant, Chargeunity, and HeatbrAIn.
The "Accelerate Power" program is a thematic extension of the "accelerate_rkn" program. The winning start-up, Minimum Energy, will also have the chance to join the "Future Tech" festival on September 11th. This festival, organized by the district's economic development and RWE, aims to showcase innovative technologies and ideas.
The goal of the "Accelerate Power" program is to strengthen energy-focused start-ups in the Rhine region and bring innovative business models to market maturity. By providing a framework for innovative ideas to grow, rooted locally but with regional impact, the program encourages emerging companies to drive the district's future.
In the context of the "Accelerate Power" program, which aims to support energy-related start-ups, Tilman Bechthold, head of research and development at RWE Power, expressed his appreciation for the innovative projects showcased by the finalists, such as Solid Plant, CerBaTech, Chargeunity, HeatbrAIn, and Minimum Energy. This program, a thematic extension of "accelerate_rkn," also offers expert mentoring, workshops, and coaching for education-and-self-development, with the winning start-up receiving a €5,000 prize and an opportunity to work at the "Innovation Center" for a year. Moreover, the program and its winners are expected to contribute significantly to the economic and social policy by showcasing their innovations at the Future Tech festival, highlighting the district's profile as a hub for energy and energy-intensive industries.
