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Scaling accelerator IDEALondon has brought on board a major European energy firm

Three-year old ‘post-accelerator’ IDEALondon has announced it has brought on board a major new partner in its efforts to support more digital tech startups in the heart of London’s Tech City.

The programme, which so far has supported over 50 startups since it began back in 2013, has added EDF Energy as a headline partner with the French energy giant joining Cisco and University College London (UCL) and will offer up its technical and industry knowledge to startups taking part.

As part of the initiative, EDF will help to nurture six startups focused around areas including data and artificial intelligence, looking at ways in which such disruptive technologies can help society transition to a low carbon economy.

The benefits are set to flow both ways too, with the energy firm given access to both the wider startup ecosystem orbiting IDEALondon and the potential to collaborate with the teams at Cisco and UCL on their own projects and innovations.

Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive, EDF Energy claimed that the energy giant was committed to new and innovative ways of operating, and that this latest partnership would help to support its efforts.

He said: “Along with our innovation accelerator Blue Lab and our existing R&D activities, this partnership with IDEALondon is an exciting step forward. We are committed to working with the very best start-ups and entrepreneurs to support their growth.

“Their innovations will help us find new ways to face the challenges of becoming a low carbon society, and to seize the opportunities offered by the digital and data revolution.”

The likes of database firm Asset Mapping, visual search tool Snap Tech and eco-friendly car wash Sparkl have all grown their products and services in tandem with the academic and industry experts at IDEALondon.

With a view to scaling businesses and getting their products market ready, the programme is based out of its own facility in the heart of East London’s tech belt and offers participating startups ‘bespoke’ guidance and supporting in accelerating their businesses.

Scot Gardner, Chief Executive, Cisco UK & Ireland welcomed EDF to the programme and believes the addition will boost IDEALondon’s efforts to support the growth of the digital economy.

He commented: “Acting as a catalyst for co-innovation between business, academia and government, and as one of Cisco’s nine innovation centres around the world, IDEALondon provides an environment that will nurture entrepreneurial growth and support ideas that will truly break boundaries.

“We are delighted that EDF Energy are joining the programme to help support ideas that will grow our digital economy now, and into the future.”