Valais-based start-up Urbio continues to grow
Urbio, the Valais-based start-up, is continuing to expand and strengthen its role as a pioneer in urban energy planning. Founded in 2020, the EPFL Valais Wallis-born start-up has rapidly established itself in the field thanks to its expertise in artificial intelligence and data. With a team of around 20 people, Urbio provides innovative solutions to energy suppliers and engineering consultancies in several European countries. Sébastien Cajot, one of the co-founders, looks back on his participation in last year's Smart Energy Event, and also discusses Urbio's growing success.
Energy suppliers are currently on the hunt for energy data. This activity is very time-consuming, given the scattering of different sources and the clean-up work involved. Urbio's software accelerates this quest for data. Like Google Maps, it centralizes and visualizes all energy data useful for diagnosing and analyzing local authorities. Access to data is thus facilitated, offering transparency and simplified analysis, by means of colored maps produced by the minute.
"We are continuing to expand our commercial activities in Europe, and are working on new functionalities linked to artificial intelligence and generative design," explains Sébastien Cajot. A veritable "Google Maps of energy", this young, dynamic company is resolutely committed to meeting the changing needs of its market. "We are working on new functionalities linked to artificial intelligence and generative design".
Future team growth
For 2024, Urbio aims to expand its product and commercial team to meet the growing demand of the European market. "We are determined to consolidate our position as a leader in urban energy planning". With a clear vision for the future, Urbio is striving to remain at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly changing sector. The company already has customers in Switzerland (such as OIKEN, Romande Energie, Groupe E, CKW...), Germany and Belgium.
Urbio's participation in the Smart Energy event was very useful for Urbio. "The opportunity to pitch to a room full of experts is always a rewarding exercise," says Sébastien Cajot. By winning the Audience Award, Urbio confirmed its status as a major player in the energy transition. The experience also strengthened the company's ties with industry and media partners, testifying to its growing recognition in the sector.
Next pitch contest in August, applications by June 7
As urban energy challenges continue to grow, initiatives like the Smart Energy Event offer a useful platform for start-ups. The next edition, scheduled for August 30, 2024, will once again include a pitch contest for energy-related start-ups. This will be an interesting opportunity for some young entrepreneurs to present their innovative solutions. Applications are open until June 7, 2024 at www.eventsmartenergy.ch/en/pitch-contest.