PKN Orlen has started the seventh recruitment round for the Orlen Skylight Accelerator program and is looking for startups that will help find solutions to nearly 30 defined technological and business challenges of the Orlen Group, the company announced. Applications for the acceleration program can be submitted until April 5, 2023.
“Cooperation with startups in the acceleration formula allows the concern to effectively build competitive advantages, as well as supports development by acquiring many advanced technologies. An example is the development and testing of the so-called digital twin as part of one of the production installations for crude oil processing, located on the premises of the refinery in Płock. An advanced system using the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning allows for the collection, structuring and intelligent processing of technological and process information of the installation in real time. To this extent, the virtual copy will mimic the real layout and provide the key information needed to optimally manage the process. The pilot project is aimed at verifying in operational conditions the level of effectiveness of various types of solutions and their potential to optimize and improve the efficiency of selected assets of the production infrastructure.
Thanks to the corporate accelerator, it is also possible to understand future, potential business and technological challenges faster and more fully, it was noted.
“Entities participating in the program can obtain many benefits, which include, among others:
– testing your solution in real operating conditions within the infrastructure of the Orlen Group,
– financing the costs of preparing and implementing a pilot implementation,
– gaining practical knowledge through the support of experts and mentors in the field of development, improvement or adaptation of their solutions to specific operating conditions,
– the possibility of scaling the business and a real option for further commercialization of solutions after the completion of the pilot implementation.
Recruitment for the 7th round of the acceleration program will last until April 5 this year. Startups have the opportunity to respond to almost 30 technological challenges. This list may be extended during the recruitment process, depending on the needs of business areas.
Orlen Skylight Accelerator is a corporate program addressed to young technological entities that, together with PKN Orlen, want to scale and commercialize their innovative solutions. The accelerator was established less than 2 years ago. So far, 6 recruitment rounds have been carried out, in which 120 challenges have been announced, including in areas such as retail, logistics, security, petrochemicals and energy. Several pilot projects have already been launched, and most of the tested solutions are currently at an advanced stage of implementation. Some projects have been completed and are being assessed in terms of the possibilities and conditions for further commercial cooperation or market launch.
The PKN Orlen Group manages refineries in Poland, the Czech Republic and Lithuania, conducts retail operations in Central Europe, mining operations in Poland, Norway, Canada and Pakistan, as well as energy production, including renewable energy sources, and natural gas distribution. As part of building a multi-energy concern, the company finalized the acquisitions of Energa, Grupa Lotos and PGNiG. Its consolidated sales revenues reached PLN 278.51 billion in 2022. The company has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 1999.