StarWatts brings energy innovation to life in Brussels
Maison de la Poste was buzzing with innovation, collaboration and energy on Thursday 9 October. During the first edition of StarWatts, more than 230 participants from 12 European countries gathered to explore solutions that accelerate the energy transition. The event was organised by Flux50, Blue Cluster, Cluster Tweed and InnoEnergy, and evolved into a vibrant crossroads of ideas, partnerships and pioneering spirit.
Energy, inspiration and connection
The day began with an inspiring plenary session filled with pitches, panel discussions and keynotes. More than 30 start-ups and scale-ups presented their solutions to eight industrial challengers: DEME, Fluvius, John Cockerill, KBC, Ocean Winds, ORES-RESA and Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Experts from the European Investment Bank, ENGIE Laborelec, SET Ventures, Ghent University and Wallonie Entreprendre shared their insights on the future of energy and innovation. Their contributions highlighted the importance of collaboration, investment in new technologies, and the role of entrepreneurship in driving the energy transition forward.
Beyond the stage programme, the more than 300 B2B sessions formed the beating heart of StarWatts. During rapid ten-minute speeddates, new ideas took shape and partnerships emerged. The dynamic atmosphere reflected the organisers’ conviction that the energy transition can only succeed when companies, researchers and investors join forces.
From inspiration to recognition
The afternoon brought even more energy with the StarWatts Awards, where four promising start-ups and scale-ups were recognised for their innovative ideas and solutions within the energy landscape:
🏆 Game Changer Award – SKIPPER NDT
🎯 Product-Market Fit Award – Jetpack.AI
🎆 Silver Spark Award – Orion Grid Technologies
🎤 Best Pitch Award – Pleevi
This was followed by the Blue Innovation Awards 2025, where Blue Cluster celebrated the most groundbreaking Belgian projects in the blue economy.
Energy that connects
The day concluded with a relaxed networking reception, where participants exchanged experiences and explored opportunities for future collaboration. The atmosphere was lively and optimistic — a testament to how innovation and connection reinforce one another.
StarWatts showed that Europe is brimming with talent and determination to advance the energy transition. As the organisers put it: “We all have a role to play to accelerate the energy transition together.”
StarWatts in numbers
The first edition of StarWatts truly brought energy and innovation to life. The numbers speak for themselves:
🔹 231 participants from 12 European countries
🔹 30 pitches by start-ups and scale-ups
🔹 8 industrial challengers
🔹 304 speeddates and B2B meetings
🔹 4 awards for promising innovations
These figures show that StarWatts was not just a meeting place, but a genuine catalyst for new ideas, partnerships and growth in the European energy sector.
With thanks to our partners
StarWatts would not have been possible without the valued support of our sponsors and partners. Their commitment and engagement helped make this inspiring day of innovation, collaboration and connection a success.
