Beyond Beta Energy: “Small Things Have Made a Huge Difference”

Boosting Green Tech Startups: Beyond Beta Energy Accelerates Innovation in Denmark’s Energy Sector

“What makes your company unique?”

That’s the question a number of startups have answered in the nationwide incubator program Beyond Beta Energy, managed by Next Step Challenge on behalf of Energy Cluster Denmark, the national cluster organization for the Danish energy sector.

The focus is on fostering the development of more new green tech companies, explains Søren Røn, CEO of Next Step Challenge.

“The companies participate in an intensive business program over a few months. Along the way, we develop a clear plan with them to enhance their focus on what creates the most value. Some need access to the right industry contacts, others need to optimize their marketing. What they all have in common is significant potential in the energy sector, which Beyond Beta Energy helps strengthen – primarily benefiting the companies themselves, but also society at large,” says Søren Røn, who is ready to welcome the next round of applicants to Beyond Beta Energy.

“We will soon open applications for a new program lasting four months. The deadline for startups interested in participating is November 30,” Søren Røn adds.

Confidence and Dream Clients

Since 2022, when Beyond Beta Energy began, 15 companies have been assisted through the program. In spring 2023, several new energy companies received strategic and practical assistance for growth, customers, networks, marketing, and enhanced business understanding – assistance that has been invaluable to the participants. Eszter Pontenagel, Founder and CEO of Time2Market, shares her experience.

“Our company helps energy companies of all sizes reach new markets – in Europe and globally. This includes licenses, contracts, bonds, and much more, which can be daunting when establishing oneself in new geographic and physical markets.”

“We started Time2Market in December 2022, drawing on over ten years of experience in large energy companies and a strong network. However, entrepreneurship requires confidence, and Beyond Beta Energy has given us a boost. Establishing a new business like ours, marketing it, and finding its audience – its dream clients – is challenging, but we’ve learned a lot through workshops and discussions with our new advisory board from Beyond Beta, comprising experienced industry professionals,” says Eszter Pontenagel.

Small Things Make a Big Difference

Another participant from Beyond Beta Energy in 2023 is seasoned entrepreneur Lars Lemming. Having been part of several technology-related companies before, he now owns the new startup 40GreEnergy, which has designed a highly efficient and cost-effective heat pump.

“Heating and hot water account for approximately 40% of global CO2 emissions. For the sake of my grandchildren, I want to do something about that, which is why I started 40 GreEnergy. The heat pump was invented in 1945, and there hasn’t been much innovation since then. Instead of the typical outdoor unit, our heat pump features a thin panel and is optimized in every aspect – from material choice to refrigerant and energy consumption. I’ve been part of the technology sector for many years, but Beyond Beta Energy has still provided me with many new insights. Small things have made a huge difference, such as networking with new, great people. For instance, I attended Energy Cluster Denmark’s annual meeting in 2023 through Beyond Beta Energy, and a contact from there led to an order for 100 of our heat pumps. I’ve been really pleased to be part of the program – and would recommend others to apply. When you want to ‘disrupt’ an entire global sector, whether it’s about value for money or the consumer experience, it’s important to focus your efforts where it clearly creates value,” says Lars Lemming.

Startups are Crucial for Innovation in the Energy Cluster

In Denmark’s Energy Cluster, Energy Cluster Denmark, startups with new ideas, technologies, and services are a crucial starting point for much of the innovation needed in the energy sector, says Glenda Napier, CEO of Energy Cluster Denmark.

“Many of our members are exciting new startups that aim to accelerate the green transition with their businesses, ideas, and drive. Several of them are involved in our innovation projects – and many have significant potential in climate technologies, job creation, and growth. I meet many larger companies that benefit greatly from collaborating with small, agile, tech-focused startups. Therefore, Beyond Beta Energy is a crucial program that we are proud to be a part of. The message to those considering applying is clear – help is available – and we look forward to supporting even more startups in maximizing their time for the benefit of their core business, growth, and job creation,” says Glenda Napier.

Beyond Beta Energy 3.0

The upcoming Beyond Beta Energy program will consist of a series of workshops tailored to each company’s needs. Participants will also have the opportunity for mentoring with experienced business developers and a vast network through Energy Cluster Denmark and Danish business houses. By participating in Beyond Beta Energy 3.0, each company will validate its market hypotheses and gain insights into the best conditions for growth.

For more information about the upcoming program, contact Søren Røn, CEO of Next Step Challenge, at sr@nextstepchallenge.com.

Facts about Beyond Beta

Beyond Beta is Denmark’s largest startup program aimed at companies within energy and several other Danish business strengths. The program is for entrepreneurs with clear growth potential and a CVR number (Central Business Register) no more than three years old. Beyond Beta is funded by the EU Social Fund and the Danish Business Promotion Board and is a collaboration between Danish business houses, Danish cluster organizations, and Accelerace.

Read more about the program and the opportunity to participate at www.beyondbeta.dk.