Microsoft and Schneider Electric launch AI for Green Energy

Microsoft and digital energy management and automation solution provider Schneider Electric have partnered to launch AI for Green Energy, a new accelerator programme for Microsoft’s AI Factory. 

Through the programme, Microsoft and Schneider will help start-ups use artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the energy sector in Europe, decreasing consumption and increasing energy efficiency. These entrepreneurs will be able to learn from the technical and business expertise of the two companies during a three-month acceleration period. 

“We are delighted to leverage our ecosystem of partners to serve the most important causes to society, thanks to the start-ups of tomorrow,” said Agnès Van de Walle, director of Microsoft’s One Commercial Partner group. “Schneider Electric will bring in-depth expertise and personalised support, accelerating innovation across the energy sector.”

Many other organisations – such as French research institute Inria, wireless network company Sigfox and digital solution investor Energize Venture – are also partnering with the programme at various stages. 

Entrepreneurs have until 31 August to submit their ideas for the programme and the six winners will be announced at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit in Barcelona, Spain in October.  

“We are delighted to partner with Microsoft to incubate new ideas to use AI to help the energy sector in the energy transition,” said Cyril Perducat, chief executive IoT and Digital Transformation at Schneider Electric. “Co-innovation projects like this one are important to move the entire energy industry towards a sustainable future.”