Start-up challenge:
Smart worker and workplace safety in electrical networks
Iberdrola is one of the world's leading energy companies, with a workforce of more than 41,000 employees and that collaborates with more than 22,000 supplier companies. The company is engaged in the generation, distribution and marketing of electricity and has a considerable number of employees working in the field under diverse and sometimes potentially hazardous conditions.
Iberdrola has more than 400,000 substations and transformer stations in the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Spain, and more than 260,000 km of power lines in Spain alone. In order to keep these assets in optimal operating conditions, it is essential to carry out regular maintenance of the electricity infrastructure and to efficiently manage the resolution of incidents caused by external factors, such as adverse weather conditions, both in urban and rural areas. All these works are carried out in accordance with Iberdrola's prevention procedures to ensure the health and safety of the workers involved, as there may be risks associated with working in proximity to live elements and at heights during these activities.
The search for continuous improvement in the field of prevention begins at government level with the royal decrees that regulate all aspects related to work in industrial environments: use of PPE, work at heights, safety distances, minimum provisions for the protection and safety of workers against electrical risk, etc.
Iberdrola reflects these regulations in the operating/technical manuals, which indicate the actions to be taken in each situation and promote the principle of the "5 golden rules" at all times. Iberdrola also has an extensive inventory of individual and collective protection equipment that it makes available to its personnel, a 100% digitalised process that allows for comprehensive life cycle management.
Today's technological advances, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, edge computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G connectivity and virtual/augmented reality, are transforming the way workers perform their jobs. These technologies not only improve processing capacity, efficiency and productivity, but also offer advanced solutions to take workplace prevention to the next level.
Multiple tests have been carried out from the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, to integrate these technologies into the field of security and prevention, for example: sensor technology in PPE or voltage field detection, with the industrialisation of some of these solutions being a challenge. Therefore, priority will be given to those solutions that are efficient and can be integrated into normal field operations, ensuring adequate levels of industrial maturity.
Description of the Challenge
Through our PERSEO start-up programme, we launched a challenge in search of solutions focused on the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions aimed at improving the safety of field workers, focusing on the potential impact of any of the activities that make up a job (pre-visit, de-energisation, inspections, etc.). Both internal and governmental regulations (Royal Decrees) that apply in each case must be taken into account when developing solutions.
Among others, aspects related to the following points will be taken into consideration:
Prevention Technology:
- Smart Protection Equipment: portable sensors that monitor the worker in real time, alerting of possible incidents and/or accidents.
- Securing working areas: develop tools that can control access to potentially hazardous work areas through the use of technology.
Monitoring and Response:
- Monitoring: Implement a centralised monitoring system that receives real-time data from sensors and wearables, enabling a rapid response to any incident.
- Protocols: Establish clear and accessible emergency protocols via mobile devices, ensuring that workers can call for help immediately.
Procedures and Compliance
- Procedures: Ensure correct application of established safety protocols and identification of potential hazards prior to the start of work.
- Regulations: Application of internal and governmental regulations, as well as specific technical and operational procedures and manuals for each case.
The solution proposed must meet the following goals:
- Job optimisation: The aim is to improve safety-related work in networking by implementing ergonomic, mature and simple solutions in order to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
- More awareness and training: It is essential to increase workers' awareness and training on safety issues.
- Implementation of innovating technologies: The adoption of innovative technologies is key to improving occupational safety. These technologies should be able to serve as a model for other companies in the sector, demonstrating their effectiveness and efficiency.
Start-up challenge:
Smart worker and workplace safety in electrical networks
- March
- April
- May
- June
March
31 March
Launch of the challenge
Call for proposals
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Sending the applications received on a weekly basis -
Screening of proposals by business -
Interaction with an external supplier for doubt-solving
May
12 May
Start of analysis and selection of winners
-
Analysis of the proposals received on the basis of the information in the form and the evaluation criteria -
Clarification meetings with start-ups -
Shortlisting
June
16 June
End of analysis of the proposals
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Winner selection -
Winners announcement on Iberdrola.com and other media
June
17 June
Start definition of pilots and execution
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Definition of scope and location - Preparation of offer and issuing of order
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Project kick-off meeting (KOM) and launch of the Proof of Concept (PoC) -
Analysis of results -
Investment analysis and business relations
The prize
The challenge is being launched within the framework of the new centre for innovation in smart grids, the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, a world leader in smart grids, through open collaboration and co-working between i-DE technicians, suppliers, start-ups and different organisations from all over the world.
Iberdrola's team of grid business experts will be responsible for selecting the innovative solution or solutions that enable the integration and demonstration of cyber-secure environments.
The prize will consist of signing a collaboration and testing agreement with PERSEO or any other company in the group, which will assume the costs of those activities and provide the winner with the technical support they need, as well as a real environment and data to test the solution with, giving access to equipment, teams, infrastructures, high-tech sites and shared workspaces. The winning project will be developed in collaboration with technical specialists from Iberdrola España's Networks area.
In addition, they will be directly included in the process of joining the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, as an additional collaborator that will be able to benefit from the services, activities and resources made available in the GSGI Hub.
If the trial or proof of concept is successful, Iberdrola España may offer the participant the opportunity to scale the solution up by adopting it through commercial agreements. PERSEO may also consider investing in the participating company and/or in the winning solution of the challenge. 
Solve your doubts about the challenge
What’s the GSGIHub?
The challenge is launched under the framework of the new Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub. Iberdrola aims to make the Hub a global benchmark in smart grids, through open collaboration and co-working between i-DE technicians, suppliers, start-ups and different organisations from around the world.
Why are Iberdrola and Perseo the right partners for my company?
Iberdrola is no stranger to working with startups and start-ups: in the last two years, the Group has launched more than 22 Start-up Challenges to address urgent issues in today's energy grids.
Working with Iberdrola presents a unique opportunity: winning this Challenge will reward you with the signing of a collaboration agreement for the development of a Proof of Concept (PoC). The PoC will be developed in collaboration with the technical specialists of Renewables. In addition, PERSEO covers the costs of the pilot activities and provides you with the necessary technical support, giving you access to infrastructures and real data to test your solution. In addition, PERSEO may consider investing in its solution.
What are the key benefits of the challenge for me?
- Collaboration Agreement and Pilot Test: The prize for the winner consists of a collaboration and testing agreement with PERSEO or any other company of the Iberdrola group. The group will support the cost of the pilot activities.
- Access to all areas: Iberdrola will provide the winner with all the necessary technical support, as well as a location and real data to test the solution. This includes access to equipment, equipment, infrastructure, high-tech sites, and shared workspaces.
- Scale your technology: If the pilot test is successful, Iberdrola will be able to offer the winner the opportunity to scale the solution by adapting it through commercial agreements.
- Investment: In addition, PERSEO will consider investing in the participating company and/or the winner of the challenge.
Who will analyse the proposals?
Iberdrola's team of experts from the Grids business will be responsible for selecting the innovative solution(s) or the creation of a specific strategic partnership to help accelerate the launch of new initiatives related to safety in the field.
How will registrations be evaluated?
When evaluating the entries, Iberdrola will consider the following value propositions:
- The solution’s maturity, reliability and scalability.
- Integration with existing monitoring systems.
- The total cost, both initial and recurrent.
- Additional uses that can be made of the technology.
Who can participate in the challenge?
Entrepreneurs, start-ups, researchers, specialists and innovators able to scale up their solutions and negotiate partnerships and commercial contracts together with a company with global reach.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
You are welcome to submit more than one proposal, just be sure to submit a request form for each proposal.
For questions that aren't here or for more information, who should I contact?
Send an email directly to the following account: IberdrolaChallenge@iberdrola.es