Ten startups have been selected for the final phase of the TBG Digital Transformation Business Round, which will take place on September 1st. The event, which is 100% online and is promoted by the TBG, in partnership with the Energy Hub Sai do Papel, aims to enable access to entrepreneurial disruptive technology solutions that ensure the gathering and analysis of information from the gas pumping stations – sometimes referred to as Ecomps – to assist in decision making with regard to the maintenance, safety and operation of the pipeline.

The startups are from the states of Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Pernambuco.

When selecting the finalists, thirty-three startups registered in the preliminary phase of the competition were evaluated. They presented projects for technological solutions to maintain the operational integrity of the TBG gas pipeline by applying disruptive digital technologies – that is to say, that break away from the established standards, models or technologies of the market – using expedients such as devices, sensors, the internet of things (IoT) and robotic systems capable of contributing to the company's Digital Transformation. The assessment took the following criteria into consideration: solution, project potential, robotic solution, experience and team.

Next steps

Before the final phase, which will take place on September 1st, the ten startup finalists will participate in online training provided by the Energy Hub Sai do Papel, with support from the TBG team, in order to improve their respective sales pitches.

At the grand final of the Business Round, called Pitch Day, there will be a panel comprising TBG management, engineers and technicians, who will evaluate the performance of the startups based on the following criteria: project scope, solution presented, clarity of presentation of the proposal and technical and financial viability.

The name of the winning startup, or startups, will be announced on September 8th. To access more information about this Business Round, just go to: http://www.saidopapel.com.br/energy-hub.

Up to three startups may sign a Cooperation Agreement with the TBG for implementation of the technologies proposed to the company. There will be support and mentoring by the TBG technical team for Proof of Concept and/or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development.

About the Energy Hub Sai do Papel

This is the largest private sector energy hub in Latin America, conceived by the Sai do Papel accelerator, which seeks to connect the agents within the ecosystem: companies, associations, academia, universities, suppliers, startups, investors, mentors, development bodies and service providers, among other participants in the energy chain (oil and gas, electricity and renewable energy).