This was E-world.prototype.club 2025

Innovation, Networking, and Strong Partnerships

What solutions does the energy industry need to remain future-proof? How can urban infrastructures be used more intelligently and energy distributed more efficiently? And what role do startups and collaborations play in this transformation? At E-World 2025, we explored these and many other questions with strong partners. In the following highlights, you’ll learn about the innovative approaches presented and the key takeaways from the event.

Speed-Dating: Matchmaking for the Energy Industry

One of the key highlights was our speed-dating format, bringing together startups and established industry players. In short, focused conversations, innovative solution providers had the chance to connect directly with decision-makers and validate their ideas in real-time.

On Day 1, the focus was on APCOA, discussing smart solutions for urban infrastructure and new ideas for the more sustainable use of parking spaces and charging infrastructure.

On Day 2, the speed-dating continued with BOTfriends, where AI-driven solutions for the energy sector were showcased. Industry players exchanged ideas on concepts for digital customer communication and automation.

Smart Use of Urban Infrastructure

Our collaboration with APCOA started at IAA 2024, where we laid the groundwork for innovative urban infrastructure solutions (learn more here). Since then, we have been strategic partners, continuously working to bring innovations into cities.

At E-world 2025, we continued this journey. On our landing page, startups and companies can continuously apply to contribute innovations for the APCOA Urban Hubs. During the event, two specific challenges were in focus, for which targeted live demos were presented:

Solutions for intelligent analysis tool to determine demand
Solutions for local energy storage systems to secure EV demand at peak times

A total of ten young companies showcased their solutions and established valuable connections for future collaborations.

APCOA was thrilled with the collaboration, the innovative solutions, and the formats at E-world. Dirk Kreienborg summed it up:

„It was great to have us here on board setting up the demos, the speed dating and having this great panel with other experts on stage.“

Panel Discussion: Power Move – Smart Grids for Large Consumers and the Mobility of Tomorrow

A packed room and an ambitious agenda – our panel discussion was one of the standout moments on Day 2. Together with Smart Grids BW, leading rental infrastructure operators, NRW.Energy4Climate, energy suppliers and top researchers, we tackled the pressing challenges of developing high-performance charging infrastructures for heavy-duty transport.

The challenge: With more and more e-trucks on the road, pressure on the grids is increasing. Where and how should these vehicles be charged? Fast-charging networks for long-distance transportation require vast amounts of energy – intelligent grid integration is essential.

Key discussion topics: Our experts agreed: grid stability alone is not enough. Load flexibility, economic feasibility, regulatory adjustments, and user-friendly concepts must be combined to build a sustainable and efficient charging infrastructure.

Panel speakers:

Christian Schweizer – CEO, prototype.club
Richard Röhr – UTA Edenred: Combining energy infrastructure and mobility demands
Rainer Enzenhöfer – TransnetBW GmbH: Impact of high-power chargers on the grid
Dirk Kreienborg – APCOA: Strategy for charging hubs and business models
Michael Krause – Team One Developers GmbH: Digitalization in the automotive industry
Akram El-Bahay – NRW.Energy4Climate: The role of flexibility and regulatory requirements
Dr.-Ing. Daniel Stetter, Fraunhofer IAO, unfortunately unable to attend

Christian Schweizer’s conclusion:

„The topic is highly complex and multifaceted. There is no single solution – different players must develop smart concepts across multiple areas. Ultimately, one thing is needed above all: user-friendly applications that truly meet the needs of the users.“

Prototype.club brings Innovation to the Road

E-world 2025 once again showed us: the best ideas emerge when visionary minds come together. With our formats, we have created exactly that space – enabling insightful discussions and forming the foundation for future projects. We are excited about the next steps and look forward to further driving innovation in the energy sector!