Energize 
our Future

Our earth is not renewable. Energy is! This slogan best reflects our ambitions and commitment to a sustainable future, and Energie AG wants to become a player with a significant positive impact. As part of this focus on innovation, we are working with technology startups that will help us better meet the needs of our customers. This year's Startup Innovation Challenge focuses on three topics in the fields of energy, robotics, AI and automation. For ech challenge the goal is to develop Proof of Concept (PoC). The aim is to identify innovations, solutions and technologies that will help us become a future-proof energy supplier and enter the market with a strong and reliable partner.

We are looking for startups and established companies that are breaking new grounds. The challenge is not restricted to a particular geographic location and therefore encourages a global and diverse pool of applicants. Applicants should be well-established startups or companies with a track record of conducting business operations. This means that the startup or company should have moved beyond the initial ideation phase and have tangible evidence of their ability to function in a business environment. Also, the startup or company should demonstrate the capacity to not only come up with innovative ideas but also to effectively execute and manage projects. This includes having the necessary resources, expertise, and infrastructure to successfully run the project proposed in the challenge. So startups and companies that have a minimum team size of three employees and offer a product or service aimed at solving one or more of the specified challenges are welcome to apply.

The Innovation Challenge starts with the invitation to participate on 31.10.2023. Applications will be handed in via the application tool F6S and must be submitted latest by 16.01.2024. The Application tool is handled by our Challenge Partner Sharkbite Innovation GmbH. For each of the 3 challenges we will invite a minimum of three startups to the pitch day on 13.02.2024. For each challenge a “winner” will be selected for the following PoC phase of the challenges.

All applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

- How well the solution fits Energie AGs challenges

- Existing capacity

- Speed and ability to scale

- Potential for partnership

- Evidence (Prototypes, similar products, existing partnerships, etc.)

Besides these Business criteria we will decide on:

- Desirability: How precisely does the idea address the identified problem? Is the solution directly relevant to the challenge posed?

- Feasibility: Can the idea realistically be implemented? Does it consider the technical, financial, and operational constraints of the company and the industry?

- Viability: Is the solution economically sensible? Does it offer a good cost-benefit ratio? What is the expected return on investment?

- Sustainability: Particularly relevant in the energy sector. How environmentally friendly and sustainable is the proposed solution?

- Degree of Innovation: Is the idea truly novel and distinct from existing solutions? Does it offer a fresh perspective or a new approach?

- Team and Expertise: Who is behind the idea? Does the team or the startup have the necessary expertise and experience to implement the idea?

We plan to invite several startups to pitch at the Pitching Day on February 13th, 2024 and will most probably select one company per challenge for the proof-of-concept phase. However, this depends of course also on the number and quality of applications we will receive.

Applications via F6s (https://www.f6s.com/startup-challenge-2025/apply) will be possible until 31.01.2025. The selection decision takes place by beginning of February 2025. The pitching day will take place on 26.02.25. The Proof-of-Concept Phase will be from the 03.03.25 and end with the demo day on the 06.05.25. The respective times can be found in the announcement and the award documents.

A Proof of Concept (PoC) for the challenges typically refers to a preliminary and tangible demonstration or prototype that showcases the feasibility and functionality of an innovative idea or solution. A PoC therefore should aim to prove that the proposed solution can work in practice. The PoC should also validate the core functionalities and features of the proposed solution. This will take place in the PoC phase in March and April 2024, where the Energie AG Challenge Owner will work closely with you to identify the key aspects that make the solution innovative and valuable.

Yes, the companies entering the Proof-of-Concept phase will receive a budget of up to 50k for their work. To make sure, the budget is used wisely, we will ask for a comprehensive cost statement from all startups presenting at the Pitch Day on February 13th.

Working together as Energie AG and the startup during the Innovation Challenge is a collaborative process that fosters innovation, problem solving and mutual growth. Starting with an engagement kick-off meeting after the pitching day, Energie AG and the selected startup will align their goals, expectations and responsibilities, where both parties will gain a clear understanding of the project scope and objectives. Furthermore, Energie AG and the startup will work closely together in a joint development phase to bring the idea to life and build the proof of concept (PoC). Therefore, there will be regular check-ins, meetings and updates between Energie AG and the startup. In addition, Energie AG will provide resources such as funding, mentoring, access to data or technical support to help the startup succeed.

It might be beneficial for some challenges and solutions to visit us at Linz, Austria during the PoC phase. In this case the Energie AG would cover your expenses for travel and accommodation.

Yes, with this challenge, Energie AG is offering you the opportunity to work with us and enter the market with a strong partner. If both sides agree, the aim is to continue working together beyond the dem.

No. Only the winning startups of each challenge receive a commitment to carry out a Proof of Concept (PoC) with Energie AG. The PoC costs are covered up to an amount of EUR 50,000, depending on the scope and content of the proposed project. Each PoC proposal is carefully evaluated and benchmarked to ensure technical and commercial feasibility. The use of funds and budget structure are part of the selection criteria during the evaluation process that determines which startups are invited to implement a PoC with Energie AG.