The startup with the best clean energy technology project has been awarded support from Verdian Power and Green Horse Advisory for its development
NLcomp, an innovative startup based in Monfalcone (Gorizia), has been announced as the winner of the Cleantech Startup Contest, held during the inaugural edition of the Italian Energy Tech Conference. NLcomp’s project was deemed the best in the field of clean energy technologies and will benefit from development support provided by Verdian Power and Green Horse Advisory.
The jury selected NLcomp’s project for the following reasons:
“NLcomp stands out for its innovation and the wide range of applications in the wind energy sector, both for new installations and retrofitting existing ones. Additionally, it offers monetisation opportunities through the recycling of its components.”
NLcomp has developed cutting-edge technology focused on sustainability, addressing the challenge of wind turbine blade disposal. The company has designed a fully recyclable wind turbine that reduces the environmental impact of the sector and promotes a circular economy. This solution enables traditionally difficult-to-recycle turbine blades to be reused, providing a sustainable and innovative alternative for the future of renewable energy.
The Energy Tech Conference 2024, in its inaugural edition, was organised by Verdian Power and Green Horse Advisory to highlight innovations in renewable energy technologies, a dynamic and ever-evolving market. The event also showcased the latest advancements in solar energy and battery storage, considered essential to ensuring a successful energy transition.
Verdian Power, an independent renewable energy producer and part of the Nuveen Infrastructure fund, will offer the winning startup the opportunity to test its innovative technology at one of its renewable energy facilities to assess its technical and economic feasibility (proof of concept).
Green Horse Advisory, a strategic consulting firm specialising in the energy transition, renewable energies, and sustainable infrastructure, brings together legal, financial, and engineering expertise through its three divisions: Green Horse Legal Advisory, Green Horse Financial Advisory, and Green Horse Engineering. The winning startup will receive legal support for investment rounds and funding, business plan refinement, and assistance with technical challenges.
The jury included the following members:
- Iacopo Magrini, CEO – Green Horse Engineering;
- Luca Campaiola, Venture Capitalist & Strategic Advisor;
- Jordi Francesch, Managing Director, Global Head of Asset Management – Nuveen Clean Energy Infrastructure;
- Leonardo Massa, Investment Director – MITO Technology;
- Ezio Ravaccia, Partner – Primo Climate;
- Stefano Soliano, CEO – C.NEXT SpA Società Benefit, and Vice President – InnovUp Italian Innovation & Startup Ecosystem.
Organisers’ Statements
“We are very pleased with the participation of numerous startups in this first event dedicated to them,” said Iacopo Magrini, CEO of Green Horse Engineering.
“We were impressed by the quality of the initiatives, making it difficult to establish a ranking. We evaluated not only technical aspects but also the commercial potential of their projects. To this end, they will benefit from the expertise of Green Horse Advisory’s various divisions to facilitate the challenging path towards commercialising their projects.”
Finalist Projects
In addition to NLcomp, five other finalist startups presented innovative proposals to green transition investors:
- Deentra, based in San Donato Milanese, offers a platform allowing individuals to purchase solar panels for installation on business rooftops, benefiting both parties economically.
- FlashTube, born in Rimini’s Tecnopolo, develops fuel cells that transform organic waste into clean energy and liquid fertilisers.
- i-TES, from Turin, designs thermal batteries based on phase change materials, improving energy efficiency.
- KEW Technology, based in the UK, converts non-recyclable biomass into clean gases and fuels for hard-to-decarbonise sectors.
- WPE Research & Development, from Padua, created an urban-friendly micro wind turbine using AI for energy efficiency.
