MWC Open Innovation Challenge 2026

2 – 5 Mar 2026 | Barcelona, Spain

ChallengeUpdated on 23 December 2025

Transforming the Energy Ecosystem Through Intelligent, Sustainable and Customer-Centric Innovation

Corporate Venturing Manager at ERIA - Estabanell Innova

Barcelona, Spain

About

The energy transition demands new models that can intelligently integrate renewable generation, enhance the performance of existing infrastructures, and deliver innovative services tailored to the needs of both consumers and businesses. We seek groundbreaking technologies and business models that can help us unlock the full potential of our renewable assets, operate and manage networks autonomously, empower customers through Energy-as-a-Service solutions, and accelerate the road to carbon neutrality.

We challenge startups to propose solutions that:

  • Maximize renewable energy production through hybridization, storage integration, forecasting, and 24-hour optimization.

  • Reinvent network and infrastructure operation using AI, automation, digital twins, advanced analytics, and real-time decision systems.

  • Create new Energy-as-a-Service offerings that increase customer engagement, flexibility, and energy asset optimization in the B2C space.

  • Enable carbon-neutrality pathways for B2B clients through emissions measurement, reduction, offsetting, and innovative net-zero services.

We are looking for disruptive technologies, scalable business models, and visionary teams capable of reshaping how energy is produced, managed, distributed, and experienced by society.

Startups with solutions in AI, renewable hybridization, storage, flexibility, DER orchestration, carbon management, demand-side innovation, digitalization, or customer-centric energy services are invited to apply and help us build the future of sustainable energy.

Topic

  • Batteries

Organisation

ERIA - Estabanell Innova

Corporation

Barcelona, Spain

Similar opportunities