Futurehome aim to crack the UK energy market

Last year element14 negotiated a strategic partnership with Futurehome, a Norwegian startup that has developed a user-friendly Smart Home system allowing the user to automate, control and monitor their household appliances via a single user-friendly app.

Since partnering with element14 and our subsidiary companies Avid, Futurehome has gone from strength to strength – officially launching their product in Norway and making major inroads into international energy markets.

The company recently took part in Blue Lab, an accelerator program run by EDF Energy. As one of just five shortlisted finalists of dozens of applicants, they were invited to work closely with EDF energy to develop their platform and make valuable connections in the UK energy market.

“Our main goal in participating in the Blue Lab Program was to gain more insight into the UK energy market and to learn how the major UK energy suppliers view smart technology and the future of home energy” explains Futurehome Business Development Manager Enikő Weisz.

“The UK energy market is very different compared to Norway, not only in terms of size but in terms of how it works. The opportunity to work with a company like EDF Energy was a major priority for us in terms of participating in the Blue Lab program. They realise that the energy market is likely to evolve significantly over the next few years. That they’re actively planning for this and embracing forward-thinking projects like our own is very heartening.”

Futurehome recently presented at a special 'demo day' for the EDF Energy Blue Lab Accelerator Program

The Futurehome team are celebrating a successful year of growth and development

On February 17th 2017, Futurehome and the other Blue Lab finalists were given the opportunity to pitch in front of an international panel featuring representatives from EDF Energy’s UK and French leadership and management teams. This was followed by an open innovation afternoon attended by specially invited guests including potential partners and investors, representatives from the broader energy market and the media.

“It was a very successful day and we were very pleased with the connections we made” explains Weisz. “We are currently in discussion with EDF Energy about potential next steps.”

element14 and our subsidiaries continues to support Futurehome in manufacture and packaging, and look forward to maintaining a strong relationship as they make further inroads in the UK and global energy markets.

Find out more about Futurehome’s recent activities by reading our full interview on the element14 community.