Elering joins Prototron

In May, Elering joined the Prototron prototyping facility, significantly boosting Prototron’s competence in data exchange and the energy sector’s BigData area.

“The smart grid and the development of its associated data sources and data exchanges between market participants offers companies new business opportunities. For the Prototron teams, we offer the Estfeed energy data exchange platform, where new smart solutions can be developed and tested,” said Elering’s Estfeed project manager, Kaija Valdmaa. She added that being in the Elering network and joining the Estfeed platform is a good starting point for startup companies to test and validate their product and to reach their first customers.

Prototron CEO Jana Pavlenkova said the value of Elering’s joining lies in energetics and data exchange-related know-how. “Big Data is currently an important topic which is used at different levels, from small businesses to state infrastructure. Thus, it is best for our teams that Elering does not just give them only money, but also a platform where they can develop and test their ideas and later also take them to clients in the e-elering app store.” According to Pavlenkova, this is also a good example of the development of cooperation – thus far Elering employees have been mentors to Prototron teams who have developed environment- and energy-related ideas.

“On joining the Prototron support fund, in addition to mentoring selected teams, Elering will contribute more than before to the evaluation of ideas. Our people have a good overview of the energy sector’s needs, applications being developed, and also the existing energy service providers. Thus, it is possible to combine competences, identify ideas with greater potential, and contribute to their development,” said Valdmaa.

The Prototron prototyping facility, established in 2012 by Swedbank, Tehnopol Science Park and Tallinn University of Technology, has funded 50 ideas for prototyping to the value of nearly 600 000 euros thus far. Many teams have grown into internationally renowned success stories, such as Lingvist, Flydog, coModule, GlobalReader, Sprayprinter and ShipitWise. Utilitas and Hedman Partners have joined as financing partners. Applications for the summer round can still be submitted today, 1 June: www.prototron.ee.

Additional information:

Jana Pavlenkova
CEO, Prototron
jana@prototron.ee
www.prototron.ee

Kaija Valdmaa
Estfeed project manager
kaija.valdmaa@elering.ee
www.elering.ee