In November 2023, Valais-based cleantech WattAnyWhere claimed victory at the start-up pitch contest organized by SHELL during the 2023 Web Summit in Lisbon. This achievement goes a long way to further elevate the visibility of WattAnyWhere’s unique off-grid electricity generator powered by renewable energies.
This latest accomplishment joins a string of recent accolades for the start-up, testifying to the relevance and potential of its solution. “At the Web Summit, we had the opportunity to showcase our startup on Shell’s dedicated space,” says Alexandre Laybros, Co-Founder of WattAnyWhere. “We competed against five other energy-related start-ups, all part of the Shell Startup Engine program.”
In a succinct three-minute presentation with just three slides, WattAnyWhere successfully communicated the value of its solution. The jury, comprising Shell employees and their innovation partners, awarded the top prize to WattAnyWhere for its compelling pitch. “The main benefit of this exercise and the award is the visibility, especially at such an event, which gathered over 70,000 people worldwide, including investors and entrepreneurs,” Laybros notes.
Laybros relished the enriching experience in Lisbon. “Whether it’s convincing 20 people or hundreds, the pitch must capture attention in the first few seconds and smoothly unfold the story with clarity and fluidity to build trust in the overall solution,” he emphasizes.
This Lisbon experience is timely for WattAnyWhere, which recently forged a strategic partnership with the Swedish-Greek company Metacon/Helbio. “This gives us exclusive access to patents and know-how in ethanol reforming from one of the most advanced companies in Europe in these technologies,” Laybros adds.
WattAnyWhere’s achievements underscore its commitment to pioneering sustainable energy solutions. The company’s journey, from securing significant funding to developing its innovative ethanol-to-electricity converter, reflects a progressive trajectory in the cleantech sector. With this latest triumph at the Web Summit in Lisbon and its strategic partnership with Metacon/Helbio, WattAnyWhere is poised to make a substantial impact in the realm of renewable energy and sustainable technology, contributing to a greener and more efficient future.
