SUSTAINABILITY | TECH | INNOVATION
Energize
our Future
Challenge 1
Data Collection & Integration for Sustainable E-commerce
Our goal is to identify and efficiently integrate solutions for data harmonization and optimization. We are looking for existing solutions that extract, analyze and process external data from partners and products so that they can be used for our e-commerce solution and facilitate collaboration. Our platform helps our customers to make informed and sustainable decisions.
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Challenge 2
Optimizing Energy Use & Driving the Energy Transition
We want to support our customers in becoming heroes of the energy transition. To achieve this, we are looking for an easy-to-use, digital monitoring and control tool that our customers can use to optimize their energy consumption, benefit from dynamic electricity prices, and interactively/engagingly measure their energy savings.
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Award
Strengthening industries: Tailored innovations to accelerate decarbonization
Our goal is to help our business customers achieve their decarbonization goals by providing innovative, tailor-made solutions for industrial companies and businesses.To achieve this, we aim to identify, evaluate and award innovative solutions in areas such as AI-powered tools, carbon capture technologies, satellite data and renewable energy applications. These solutions will accelerate decarbonization efforts and promote sustainable growth while addressing unique needs
Challenge 1
Data Collection & Integration for Sustainable E-commerce
Our goal is to identify and efficiently integrate solutions for data harmonization and optimization. We are looking for existing solutions that extract, analyze and process external data from partners and products so that they can be used for our e-commerce solution and facilitate collaboration. Our platform helps our customers to make informed and sustainable decisions.
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Challenge 2
Optimizing Energy Use & Driving the Energy Transition
We want to support our customers in becoming heroes of the energy transition. To achieve this, we are looking for an easy-to-use, digital monitoring and control tool that our customers can use to optimize their energy consumption, benefit from dynamic electricity prices, and interactively/engagingly measure their energy savings.
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Award
Strengthening industries: Tailored innovations to accelerate decarbonization
Our goal is to help our business customers achieve their decarbonization goals by providing innovative, tailor-made solutions for industrial companies and businesses.
To achieve this, we aim to identify, evaluate and award innovative solutions in areas such as AI-powered tools, carbon capture technologies, satellite data and renewable energy applications. These solutions will accelerate decarbonization efforts and promote sustainable growth while addressing unique needs
A great solution can
change EVERYTHING.
We are looking for passionate startups to join us in pushing the energy industry to the next level. In a world that needs sustainable solutions, we want to shape the future of energy with innovative ideas, newest technology and creative approaches.
That is why we are doing all we can to ensure our planet remains a good place to live. By expanding renewable energy, reducing fossil fuels and creating a climate-neutral future for us and the following generations. It is a goal we are already working towards with all our might.
With every step we take the system we have to manage gets more complex, an increasing amount of data has to be handled and even more players need to be coordinated. That's why we reach out for your ideas and solutions to create a more sustainable habitat for future generations. Join our mission and energize our future!
about us.
Energie AG Oberösterreich is a modern and efficient energy and services group. As a provider of electricity, gas, heat, water as well as waste disposal and ICT services, Energie AG stands for the highest quality and reliability of our products, processes and services.
As an infrastructure group, we supply more than 450,000 customers with electricity via the 30,000 kilometer long high and low voltage network. We operate more than 70 power plants (such as hydroelectric, photovoltaic plants, wind) following the highest ecological standards.
Founded in 1892, we see ourselves as a competent, regional partner for customers, employees, suppliers and the public.
our vision.
We at Energie AG Oberösterreich are convinced that we have a social responsibility to think and act long-term. We want to leave our children and future generations a planet worth living on and put our energy future on a secure and sustainable footing.
To achieve this, we are doing everything we can to decarbonise the generation, distribution and consumption cycle. The massive expansion of solar, wind and hydropower in Upper Austria and other European countries, as well as our investments in innovative technologies, are helping to phase out fossil fuels.
We aim to be carbon neutral by 2035 and to continue providing reliable energy and waste management services. We need to keep our planet liveable. Because who wants to go to Mars?
Roadmap
25.10.2023
25.10.2023
Prove your competence!
Are you running a startup and looking for a real challenge? We, at Energie AG Oberösterreich, offer you the opportunity to tackle genuine problems in our industry that will help us operate more efficiently and shape a sustainable future. In return, we'll provide you with our extensive data, know-how of our experts and fund a Proof of Concept with up to € 50,000. If your solution impresses is a perfect match for us, a long-term partnership awaits.
We value your innovative spirit and look forward to revolutionizing bringing the energy sector to a next level together.
long-term cooperation
50.000€ for developing your proof of concept
you are the one we want if you meet the following requirements
desirability
How precisely does the idea address the identified problem? Is the solution directly relevant to the challenge posed?
sustainability
Particularly relevant in the energy sector. How environmentally friendly and sustainable is the proposed solution?
feasibility
Can the idea realistically be implemented? Does it consider the technical, financial, and operational constraints of the company and the industry?
degree of innovation
Is the idea truly novel and distinct from existing solutions? Does it offer a fresh perspective or a new approach?
viability
Is the solution economically sensible? Does it offer a good cost-benefit ratio? What is the expected return on investment?
team and expertise
Who is behind the idea? Does the team or the startup have the necessary expertise and experience to implement the idea?
FAQ
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What is the scope of the Energie AG Innovation Challenge?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.
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Who can participate in the Innovation Challenge?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.
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What is the application process?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.
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What is your evaluation criteria?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?
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How many Startups will be selected for Pitching Day and how many Startups will enter the Proof-of-Concept Phase?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.
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What is the time schedule and what are the fixed dates I must plan for?Applications via F6s (https://www.f6s.com/startup-challenge-2024/apply) will be possible until 16.01.2024. The selection decision takes place by beginning of February 2024. The pitching day will take place on 13.02.24. The Proof-of-Concept Phase will be from the 04.03.24 and end with the demo day on the 07.05.24. The respective times can be found in the announcement and the award documents.
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What is your definition of a Proof of Concept for the challenges?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.
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If we are selected for the Proof-of-Concept phase, will our work be paid?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.
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How do we work together during the Challenge?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.
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Do you plan to continue the cooperation when the challenge is finished?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.
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Where can I go if I have a specific question about the challenge?You apply via the application tool F6S where there is mentioned a point of contact. Otherwise, you can also submit an inquiry via the Contact Us button at the bottom of the challenge site or via startupchallenge@energieag.at. Please also provide feedback in case valuable information is missing in the FAQ.