HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-20 - Hybrid AI-Control Framework for a next-generation grid-scale energy storage and system integration

DevelopMinded is a deep-tech commercialisation and exploitation partner supporting Innovation Actions that needs to reach real-world uptake. For this proposal, we will help turn the hybrid AI-control and digital twin solution for grid-scale storage into a deployable, bankable and replicable approach that fits grid operations and energy and ancillary services markets. Our focus is on making the project outcomes easy to adopt by DSOs/TSOs, storage owners, aggregators and industrial flexibility providers as well as ensuring that results continue after the grant.

What we can provide

DevelopMinded can act as the commercialisation and impact lead, responsible for:

• Exploitation, business modelling and go-to-market strategy for grid-scale storage, hybrid AI control and digital twin solutions

• Market participation strategy for energy and ancillary services, including use-case prioritisation and value-case development for key buyer groups

• Replication and deployment planning across regions and cross-border contexts, including stakeholder mapping and adoption barriers analysis

• Impact and KPI framework tied to demonstrations, simulations and PHIL-based validation, translating technical results into decision-ready evidence

• Partner and end-user engagement to build an early adopter pipeline and support follow-on opportunities after project end

• Strong proposal and work package structuring support for IA execution, including exploitation, dissemination and stakeholder coordination work packages

What we are looking for
We seek to join a consortium that includes strong technical and demonstration capacity and access to real operational environments, such as:

• Digital twin developers and AI/hybrid control specialists for proactive storage and flexibility management

• Grid-scale energy storage providers and integrators, including BESS and power electronics partners

• DSOs/TSOs, grid operators, flexibility market actors (aggregators, market platforms) for real-world requirements and validation

• Demonstration sites, infrastructure owners, or industrial plants with flexible demand suitable for field trials and realistic operational scenarios

• Simulation, PHIL and test infrastructure partners to support scalable validation and performance proof under relevant conditions

• TEA/LCA and regulatory/market design partners to strengthen cost-benefit, sustainability and deployment readiness