Open Innovation Program for Europe’s Energy Autonomy calling all Innovators, Students, Idea Holders and Researchers!

Europe is embarking on an initiative to accelerate its green and digital transition. The Green Alternatives for European Autonomy (GAEA) Challenge has launched on Wednesday 20^th of April, encompassing a series of regional and interregional idea competitions across eight (8) countries: Greece, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.   

 

 

Why is GAEA Challenge important?

In a world facing critical environmental challenges and the imperative of sustainable development, Europe aims to take a leading role. GAEA aims to generate and accelerate innovative solutions that can tackle contemporary challenges related to the European Green Deal and the aftermath implications of the Russia-Ukraine war. By creating respective innovation competitions in eight countries GAEA aims to enhance its span across Europe and enable the whole process from idea generation to startup creation.

 

 

The Initiative in Detail

 The GAEA Challenge is an Open Innovation Program designed to engage students, innovators, idea holders and researchers in a collaborative effort to generate and accelerate green solutions. Through regional and interregional competitions, participants will have the opportunity to propose ideas that contribute to Europe’s green transition and enhance its autonomy in critical areas such as energy and raw materials.

 

This initiative is not just about idea generation; it’s a comprehensive program including mentorship, workshops, and acceleration programs to ensure that promising projects reach their full potential. With the active participation of over 480 students, the engagement of industry experts, and the creation of at least 160 innovative project ideas, the GAEA Challenge is set to make a significant impact.

 

 

Program Highlights:

• Participation in Info Day for more information about the Program.
• Idea Acceleration through a 4-week preparatory program.
• Presentation of innovative solutions in the Regional Challenges.
• Participation in the Final Interregional Challenge alongside 40 teams.

 

 

Timeline:

Phase 1: Regional Innovation Competitions (March-May 2024)

Phase 2: Incubation & Interregional Innovation Competition (June – October 2024)

Phase 3: Acceleration & Startup Establishment (November 2024 – September 2025)

 

 

The Benefits of the Program:

• Startup services worth up to €30,000
• Digital certificate from a top European green innovation initiative.
• Mentoring by experts to transform your idea into a viable product/service.
• Networking with industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
• Access to bootcamp trainings and essential entrepreneurial resources.

 

Ready to light up Europe’s energy future?

Check out the GAEA website to learn more information: https://gaeachallenge.eu

Follow GAEA Challenge Channels for more news

Facebook: Green Alternatives for European Autonomy 

Instagram: @gaea_europe

Linkedin: Green Alterntives for European Autonomy

 

 

Deadline for applications: 17 APRIL 2024

 

The Innovation Enabler and organizer of GAEA Challenge is Mantis Beyond Innovation, in collaboration with leading organizations including  the National Technical University of Athens, EIT RawMaterials, PASEPPE and Sustainability InnoCenter, the GAEA Challenge seeks to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship in response to the urgent environmental challenges and the pursuit of European autonomy.