A new edition of the recurrent innovation award has been launched by a leading multi-utility in Northwestern Italy, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence into a multi-utility core business.

The initiative focuses on innovative startups and small to medium enterprises, both at national and international level, that provide digital solutions and hardware connected to intelligent software based on artificial intelligence technologies. Proposals should be scalable, easily implementable, and integrable, with a strong emphasis on the secure management of sensitive data in compliance with safety and privacy regulations.

After an initial scouting phase for applications, the most promising solutions will be selected to participate in a Selection Day. During this event, the chosen startups and SMEs will have the opportunity to present their projects to the heads of business units and top management of the multi-utility. The goal is to foster technological synergies through the development of pilot projects (Proof of Concept), initiate commercial collaborations, or secure investments through corporate venture capital.
Advantages and innovation
This program offers a unique opportunity for emerging tech companies to collaborate with a major utility provider, addressing strategic challenges such as intelligent resource management, energy efficiency, and the transition to a circular economy.
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
AI-Driven Solutions for Innovation in Utility Businesses

The multiutility is seeking innovative digital solutions (software and hardware connected to intelligent software) based on artificial intelligence to optimize and enhance efficiency across all business units of the multi-utility:

Networks: This includes the management and distribution of electricity, gas, water, and wastewater treatment. Optimizing consumption and efficiently managing infrastructures are particularly relevant.

Environment: This unit focuses on waste management and the circular economy. The search is directed toward technologies that automate waste collection and treatment or improve resource efficiency by turning waste into added value.

Energy: This business unit is active in electricity and thermal energy production, district heating, public lighting, and renewable energy. Solutions should aim at energy efficiency, intelligent management of energy resources, and electrification.

Market: This unit is responsible for selling electricity, gas, and related services, including those associated with home automation and electric mobility. In this area, there is a strong demand for technologies that enhance customer interaction, profiling, and the personalization of energy offers.

The integration of innovative technologies, applicable across various sectors of the multi-utility, will address crucial challenges such as optimizing corporate processes, predictive maintenance, intelligent resource management, and personalizing services for customers.

Some examples of innovative technologies that could support the multi-utility s businesses include:

Cross-business corporate AI solutions (especially Generative AI) that involve automating business processes, virtual assistants, automated content creation tools, advanced data analytics, personalized training systems, and AI-driven collaboration and project management platforms to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making through cross-departmental integration.

VR and AR solutions to assist operators in inspection and maintenance activities.

Real-time image recognition on waste sorting lines.

Digital twins for creating predictive models and simulations reconciled with mapping and asset management information.

Advanced robotics for managing and treating waste and electronic waste, integrating waste traceability codes.

Automation tools with Generative AI models for operational management.

Virtual sensors and data-driven monitoring systems to enhance the resilience of energy and water networks.

AI for customer profiling and optimizing energy and electric mobility service offerings.

Predictive maintenance for electrical networks and water cycles.

Analysis of household consumption and load disaggregation.

Optimization algorithms for pumping processes in water and sewage systems.