Orion Grid Technologies Strengthens European Electricity Grids with AI-Driven Software and Raises €1 Million
The rapid electrification of our society is putting increasing pressure on European electricity grids. While high-voltage grids – the highways of the electricity system – are well mapped, that visibility is often still lacking in low-voltage grids: the local cables that deliver electricity to households and businesses. It is precisely at this level that heat pumps, electric vehicles and solar panels are creating new challenges.
The digitalisation of these low-voltage grids is still in its early stages. Grid operators across Europe struggle to accurately map their networks and efficiently plan investments for the energy transition.
Orion Grid Technologies develops AI-driven software for electricity grids that provides a solution.
AI Software for Smart Low-Voltage Grids
Orion Grid Technologies is a spin-off from VITO, KU Leuven and the energy innovation hub EnergyVille. The company develops advanced software that gives grid operators back control over their low-voltage networks.
Through a unique combination of power systems engineering and artificial intelligence (AI), Orion enables grid operators to:
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accurately map electricity grids digitally
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precisely analyse available grid capacity
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strategically plan investments towards 2050
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future-proof low-voltage networks
A concrete application is software that automatically corrects existing grid maps based on digital meter data and determines which household is connected to which electricity cable. In addition, Orion calculates which parts of the grid are ready for further electrification and where targeted investments are required.
This allows grid operators to make faster, more cost-efficient and data-driven decisions.
Proven Technology with European Grid Operators
Orion’s software was developed over the past seven years within VITO and is now operationally deployed with several European grid operators.
Fluvius, operator of the Flemish electricity distribution networks, has been a customer and partner from the very beginning. International players such as the German grid operator Mitnetz Strom also contributed to the development and validation of the solutions.
Today, Orion’s customers jointly manage more than 5 million connection points across Belgium, Germany and Austria. By 2030, Orion Grid Technologies aims to support 10% of all European grid operators.
€1 Million in Capital to Accelerate Growth
The eight-person international team is now spinning out to accelerate the growth of its AI software platform. Koen Vanthournout, who led the research at VITO, takes on the role of CEO.
Under the leadership of investment fund Aconterra, a €1 million funding round was recently successfully completed. AI expert Bart De Moor will serve as Chairman of the Board.
Orion Establishes Itself at IncubaThor on Thor Park
Orion Grid Technologies has established itself at IncubaThor, the incubator building at Thor Park in Genk, located next to EnergyVille. From this innovative environment, the company will continue to scale and contribute to strengthening the Flemish and European energy industry.
IncubaThor provides space for technology-driven start-ups and scale-ups active in energy, cleantech and digitalisation. The arrival of Orion Grid Technologies further reinforces Thor Park’s position as a hotspot for innovation in smart energy networks and AI solutions.
Orion is a tangible example of how Flemish innovation, originating from leading research institutions, successfully translates into concrete applications with economic and societal impact.
Koen Vanthournout, CEO and Founder of Orion Grid Technologies:
“Our electricity grids risk becoming a major bottleneck for the energy transition. Over the past years, our team has passionately worked on solutions to address this challenge. We are therefore very pleased with the support of our investors and customers as we spin out. Orion Grid Technologies is ready to help grid operators across Europe reduce the cost of the energy transition.”
Ron Schuermans, Managing Partner at Aconterra:
“Orion Grid Technologies has a strong team with deep technical expertise and a clear vision for the future of grid intelligence. Their ability to translate innovation into concrete applications convinced us.”
Inge Neven, CEO of VITO:
“Orion Grid Technologies is a wonderful example of how we accelerate innovation within EnergyVille. By combining KU Leuven’s academic excellence with VITO’s applied research and close collaboration with grid operators, a unique ecosystem is created. That makes the difference between good ideas and technology that truly makes an impact in the market. The timing to scale as an independent spin-off is ideal: the need for digital solutions for low-voltage grids is greater than ever, in Flanders and across Europe.”
