Iren Startup Award Selects the Best AI Solutions for Utilities: Adex and Druid Awarded

Winners Chosen from 170 Innovative Startups Worldwide

Turin, February 22, 2025 – Implementing artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the efficiency of production cycles and key territorial activities was the main goal of the Iren Group in the 2024/25 edition of the Iren Startup Award. Organized in collaboration with the Circular Economy Lab—an initiative of Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Cariplo Factory—the contest attracted numerous startups and SMEs presenting AI-based solutions aligned with Iren’s business sectors.

The award was granted to Adex and Druid:

Adex, founded in Spain in 2004, has developed AI-powered automatic control systems for power plants.
Druid, established in Romania in 2018, has introduced a scalable platform that integrates with over 100 enterprise systems.

A special mention was awarded to Lexroom.AI, an Italian platform designed to assist lawyers in drafting legal opinions and responses, supported by up-to-date sources.

The winning companies were selected from a shortlist of eight finalists, chosen among 170 applicants, over 40% of which were international. Iren will launch collaborations with the selected startups—starting with the two winners—through industrial, experimental, or commercial partnerships.

The selection process began in October 2024, identifying the most innovative solutions with advanced digital capabilities, AI integration, and high adaptability to Iren Group’s systems and processes. The Iren Startup Award aims to identify and implement technological solutions that optimize and improve efficiency across various business units in line with the group’s industrial plan.

Luca Dal Fabbro, President of Iren Group, stated:

"The Iren Startup Award once again demonstrates our continuous commitment to promoting and supporting the most innovative entrepreneurial ideas in our country. To foster cutting-edge innovation in our territories, it is essential to identify the best global solutions and offer them opportunities for collaboration and growth. This can only be achieved through targeted research investments and the establishment of concrete partnerships that support their national expansion and development."

Iren Startup Award Finalists

ADEX developed a self-optimizing AI technology for distributed control systems in power plants, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of gas-fired combined cycle plants.
CONTENTS, created an AI-powered generative content platform that automates the production of SEO-optimized digital content, including text, images, and audio, for marketing and engagement.
DRUID developed a Conversational AI and Generative AI platform with a scalable infrastructure, integrating with over 100 enterprise systems to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and customer experience.
LEXROOM.AI an AI-powered legal platform that assists lawyers in generating high-quality legal opinions and responses, based on up-to-date legal sources.
METASPECTRAL provides predictive maintenance solutions using AI and machine learning, analyzing sound and physical parameters to monitor machinery and optimize industrial processes.
NEURON SOUNDWARE fondata nella Repubblica Ceca nel 2016, sviluppa soluzioni di manutenzione predittiva basate su intelligenza artificiale e apprendimento automatico, analizzando suoni e parametri fisici per monitorare macchinari e ottimizzare processi industriali.
SHAYP developed non-invasive AI-based technology for real-time water flow analysis, detecting leaks and inefficiencies in buildings, reducing water consumption by up to 22%.
VBACT uses patented optical imaging and AI for real-time monitoring of bacteria, microparticles, and contaminants in water.