Citywatt Startup Competition

Israeli municipalities and cities are actively seeking advanced solutions for smart energy management and efficiency in urban environments.

The Urban Energy Technologies Competition at the Eilat-Eilot Conference, led by Energycom, invites startups with breakthrough technologies that can transform how we produce, consume, and manage energy in cities.

Competition Process:

From the submitted applications, 10 startups will be selected to participate in the semi-finals, with four finalists chosen. The four selected startups will present at the Eilat-Eilot Conference and receive a unique opportunity to connect directly with participating municipalities, meet key decision-makers, and explore technological implementation possibilities and urban pilot programs in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat, and additional cities.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Smart Energy Management in Buildings and Neighborhoods – Integrative systems for real-time energy management in complex buildings and urban spaces: demand-side management, peak load reduction, integration of HVAC systems, water heating, electric vehicle charging, and advanced storage solutions that can replace emergency generators.
2. Renewable Energy in the Built Environment – Innovative solutions for solar installations on existing shared rooftops and space-constrained roofs, as well as smart solar canopies for sports facilities, intersections, and public spaces, including regulatory frameworks and legal grid connections.
3. Safety, Management, and Innovation in Energy Storage – Technologies for battery management and control in urban environments, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) solutions and energy integration between vehicles, buildings, and the grid.
4. Sustainable Urban Economy – Solutions that reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs while promoting efficiency and integration across energy, food, and waste systems, alongside regulatory simplification tools that accelerate new technology adoption in cities.

Competition Chair: Daniel Baron – Energycom

Competition Judges:

• Yael Herman – Chief Scientist, Ministry of Energy
• Shachar Ganem – VP of Innovation and Grid, Israel Electric Corporation (IEC)
• Boaz Kidder – Sustainable Planning and Energy Manager, Tel Aviv Municipality
• Hillel Shachar – Business Development Manager, Eden – Jerusalem Economic Development Company
• Elad Topel – Smart City Coordinator, Eilat Municipality

Timeline: Call for Applications → Semi-Finals → Final Pitch (4 Finalists in Eilat)