Orion Grid Technologies strengthens European electricity grids with AI-driven software and raises €1 million
The rapid electrification of our society is putting increasing pressure on electricity grids. While high-voltage networks – the highways of the electricity system – are well mapped, this visibility is often lacking at the low-voltage level: the local cables that bring electricity to households and businesses. It is precisely at this level that heat pumps, electric vehicles and solar panels are creating new challenges. The digitalisation of these low-voltage grids is still in its early stages, leaving grid operators across Europe struggling both to gain insight into emerging issues and to address them efficiently.
Orion Grid Technologies provides a solution. The spin-off of VITO, KU Leuven and the energy innovation hub EnergyVille develops advanced software that gives grid operators renewed control over their low-voltage networks. By combining power systems engineering with artificial intelligence in a unique way, Orion enables grids to be accurately mapped, available capacity to be analysed and networks to be prepared for the future.
Concrete applications include software that automatically corrects existing grid maps based on smart meter data and identifies which household is connected to which electricity cable. In addition, Orion calculates which parts of the grid are already ready for the energy transition towards 2050 and where targeted investments are required. This enables grid operators to make faster, more cost-efficient and well-informed decisions.
Orion’s software has been developed over the past seven years within VITO and is already operationally deployed by several European grid operators. Fluvius, operator of the Flemish electricity distribution networks, has been a customer and partner from the very beginning. Non-Belgian grid operators, such as Germany’s Mitnetz Strom, have also contributed to the development and validation of the solutions. This close collaboration with the sector has resulted in a proven technology and customers in Belgium, Germany and Austria. Together, Orion’s current customers manage more than 5 million connection points. By 2030, Orion aims to serve 10% of European grid operators.
The eight-member international team is now becoming an independent company to further accelerate growth. Koen Vanthournout, who led the research at VITO, takes on the role of CEO. Under the leadership of investment fund Aconterra, a €1 million funding round was recently completed. AI expert Bart De Moor will serve as Chairman of the Board.
Orion Grid Technologies has established itself at IncubaThor, the incubator building at Thor Park in Genk, adjacent to EnergyVille. From there, the company continues to contribute to strengthening Flemish and European industry. Orion is a tangible example of how Flemish innovation, originating from leading research institutions, successfully translates into concrete economic applications.
Koen Vanthournout, CEO and Founder of Orion Grid Technologies: “Our electricity grids risk becoming a major bottleneck for the energy transition. Over the past years, our team has worked with great dedication to develop solutions to address this challenge. We are therefore very pleased with the support of our investors and customers as we take this next step as an independent company. Orion Grid Technologies is ready to help grid operators across Europe reduce the cost of the energy transition.”
Ron Schuermans, Managing Partner at Aconterra: “Orion Grid Technologies has a strong team with deep technical expertise and a clear vision for the future of grid intelligence. Their ability to translate innovation into practical applications convinced us.”
Inge Neven, CEO of VITO: “For me, Orion Grid Technologies is a great example of how we truly accelerate innovation within EnergyVille. By combining the academic excellence of KU Leuven with VITO’s applied research and close collaboration with grid operators, we create a unique ecosystem. That makes the difference between good ideas and technology that delivers real market impact. The timing to scale up as an independent spin-off is ideal: the need for digital solutions for low-voltage grids has never been greater, in Flanders and across Europe. I am extremely proud of the team and wish them every success in their continued growth.”
