[VIE] Open Innovation Analyst

Employer EDF Inc. Innovation Lab

Reports To Olivier Deneux, Innovation and Energy Markets Director

Location EDF Innovation Lab, Palo Alto, CA

Position Open From June 2025 (France) for a start in the US in July 2025

Type VIE, see requirements in term of age and citizenship here

Company and department overview

EDF (Électricité de France) is a global, integrated energy company and the world’s largest electricity producer. With 140 GW of generation capacity across more than 30 countries, EDF generates over 650 TWh of electricity for 38 million customers, and 85% of that electricity has low or no carbon emissions. With 160,000 employees worldwide, EDF is active in the entire value chain of the electric industry, including R&D, project development, generation, trading, transmission, distribution, sales, and energy services. In the US, EDF’s operations include EDF Renewables, EDF Trading & Energy Services, Dalkia, Framatome, EDF R&D, and several smaller business units.

EDF R&D has 1,900 researchers and 8 labs, including three in France, EDF Innovation Lab in the US, and others globally. Their role is to provide research, innovation and related support to the business entities of EDF Group. This is done through the creation of partnerships and collaborations with leading research institutions and industries, and the identification and development of innovative technologies and solutions. EDF Innovation Lab also introduces start-ups and new trends and emerging technologies to EDF Group’s business units with the goal to partner and/or develop joint ventures.

Summary of the position

Under a VIE contract, the US Innovation team is looking for an Open Innovation Analyst to support its activities. The Open Innovation initiative focuses on accelerating innovation within EDF Group’s business units by collaborating with external partners (startups, corporations, and academic institutions) to develop new solutions that address specific needs or challenges.

As an Open Innovation Analyst, the VIE will study emerging trends and technologies, assess the innovation landscape, and analyze their potential impact on EDF’s business units. This work could ultimately lead to startup or solution scouting and the development of pilot projects with a business unit. The range of topics is broad and closely aligned with EDF’s activities in carbon-free power generation, retail, and decarbonization solutions.

In addition to the broader Open Innovation role, the Analyst will have a strong focus on Customer Solutions. Innovative solutions, technologies, and business models could support advancements in new offerings, flexibility solutions, customer relationships, digital experiences, and applications for both B2B and B2C customers. This includes developments in smart homes and connected customer ecosystems. The Open Innovation Analyst will explore these topics and provide deep dives to support and inspire EDF Commerce in France.

The future VIE employee will be part of the Open Innovation team. They will assist the Innovation Director in developing the Innovation Lab network, participate in industry and innovation events for Energy and Climate Tech located in the United States to identify key trends and ecosystems, and help promote the US Innovation Lab as a leading player in Climate and Carbon-Free Tech in the Bay Area.

Duties and responsibilities

Qualifications

Education and experience

Professional skills

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for a curious, analytical, and entrepreneurial-minded individual with a strong interest in energy, innovation, and emerging technologies. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with influential leaders in the Climate Tech space, explore cutting-edge solutions, work in an international environment, and contribute to EDF’s innovation strategy.

EDF Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information or to apply, contact Olivier Deneux.

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