In this edition of ANDE Expert Excerpts, we feature Schneider Electric to explore how entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners can help advance a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition. From investing in impact-driven startups and equipping young people with skills to expanding access to clean energy and fostering local entrepreneurship, Schneider Electric shares insights on the challenges shaping the sector, the programs supporting entrepreneurs, and the partnerships needed to turn energy transition opportunities into meaningful impact.

State of the Sector in Your Experience

The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need to accelerate decarbonization while ensuring the benefits of the energy transition are accessible to everyone. As the demand for clean, reliable, and affordable energy grows, significant challenges remain, including persistent gaps in upskilling, energy access, affordability, and economic opportunity. While the energy transition is predicted to generate 139 million new jobs by 2030, more than one in five youth are not in education, employment, or training, making them unable to take advantage of these opportunities or access stable and affordable sources of energy. Training, awareness, and support are paramount to build solutions that can ensure access to energy for all.

Addressing these challenges requires more than technology alone. It calls for investment, stronger public-private collaboration, and greater support for entrepreneurs who deliver solutions tailored to local needs. Entrepreneurs and impact-driven startups play a critical role in advancing clean energy and sustainable development, particularly in underserved communities, yet many face barriers such as limited access to capital, technical expertise, and strategic networks.

In response, Schneider Electric works to strengthen the capabilities of communities and entrepreneurs, support innovative solutions, and improve access to reliable and sustainable Energy.
 

Your Ongoing Programs Supporting Entrepreneurship and How Others Can Collaborate with Your Organization

Schneider Electric brings together a range of vehicles and initiatives that support entrepreneurs, innovative businesses, and communities while accelerating a sustainable and inclusive energy Transition.

Through Impact Investing, we help promising startups scale their impact by providing access to patient capital, expertise, mentorship, and networks. Since 2009, these activities have supported more than 60 startups and projects across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The key part of this ecosystem is Schneider Electric Energy Access (SEEA) and Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia (SEEAA) which supports impact-driven companies addressing energy poverty, access to clean and affordable energy, the circular economy, job creation, and digital and financial inclusion.

This approach is reflected in investments across regions. In Europe, Enogrid develops solutions that enable communities to use locally produced renewable energy, while in Asia, Agros supports sustainable agricultural practices and more inclusive and resilient food systems. These investments demonstrate how Schneider Electric supports locally relevant solutions with broader social and environmental impact.

Beyond investment, Schneider Electric recognizes that energy transition requires a strong pipeline of talent and local entrepreneurs. Since 2009, the Schneider Electric Foundation’s Youth Education & Entrepreneurship program has trained over one million young people in electrical and energy fields, including over 15,000 entrepreneurs supported through training, mentorship, and pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

In addition, Access to Energy program empowers entrepreneurs from underserved communities with solar energy, business development, and entrepreneurship skills, helping bring clean energy solutions to homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare centers while creating local jobs and economic opportunities. Together, these programs create a pathway from skills development to entrepreneurship and venture growth, helping build resilient local ecosystems that accelerate both sustainable development and the energy transition.

Schneider Electric believes the greatest impact comes when we work together. Through partnerships, investment, mentorship, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing, organizations and individuals can create opportunities for entrepreneurs and accelerate a more inclusive energy Transition.

Through our recent partnership with EDP to launch the Entrepreneurs Driving the Green Energy Transition (EDGE-Transition) program, Schneider Electric is supporting entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, and long-term partnerships. Opportunities are available for co-sponsors to shape this accelerator with us to support entrepreneurs in impacting their communities and leading the energy transition.

What Advice Do You Have for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Looking to Create Energy Businesses?

The energy transition is a complex challenge as it may vary according to the local conditions and community needs. Delivering meaningful impact at scale requires collaboration across the ecosystem and strong understanding of the challenges to develop solutions that are relevant to the community.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, strategic partnerships are as important as a strong business model. Collaboration can provide access to financing, technical expertise, mentorship, technology, and markets, while helping entrepreneurs understand community needs and develop relevant, scalable solutions.

By building strong partnerships and working across sectors, entrepreneurs can strengthen their businesses, accelerate innovation, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition.