Open Innovation Challenges 2026

We have worked with our industrial and research partners: Kalyon PV, GÜNAM, BRITE, CRES, SAMMLER to define seven concrete energy challenges that need solving today. We are opening these challenges to external solution providers as a dedicated Energy vertical inside one of Greece's largest open innovation event.

These challenges are brought to you by SolarHub, a Horizon Europe-funded project that connects the solar energy innovation ecosystems of Greece and Türkiye bringing together leading research institutions, innovative companies, and public bodies to advance PV and concentrated solar thermal technologies. Our mission is to create a thriving innovation ecosystem that accelerates the transition to sustainable energy across the Eastern Mediterranean region.

• Access to seven defined industrial challenges in solar PV, solar thermal, agrivoltaics, biorefinery and grid integration.

• Access to SolarHub's four Pre-Designs research-grade technical assets you can build solutions on top of.

• Coaching from technical partners and access (where possible) to our research infrastructures.

• Visibility at the final event in Thessaloniki and a dedicated €5.000 prize to the best solution (judged by independent experts).

• Entry into the SolarHub network for follow-up R&I proposals, consortium-building, and infrastructure access.

Who can apply

Companies (startups, SMEs, scale-ups), research teams, university spinoffs, and individual innovators. No geographic restriction; applicants from Greece and Türkiye are particularly encouraged, but solutions from across Europe and Horizon Europe associated countries are welcome where they bring clear value to the ecosystem.

What you can apply with

A solution, product, prototype, methodology, or service, addressing one of the seven SolarHub Energy Challenges. A solution at any TRL is acceptable, provided it can credibly progress through the validation period.

How to apply

1. Join this B2Match community and create your profile including Team/organisation description.

2. Choose the challenge you are responding to.

3. Solution providers are required to complete at least one "Opportunity" for the chosen challenge with the following infrormation

   • The challenge you address and why your solution fits

   • Solution maturity (TRL) and what it currently does

   • What will you do during the Validation Stage

   • Resources and support you would need from the Challenge Owner

   • Upload a pdf file with additional information about the solution

Evaluation criteria

• Fit to the challenge — how directly your solution responds to the problem as defined.

• Technical credibility — is the solution real, demonstrable, and progressable.

• Team capacity — can the team deliver during the Sept–Dec validation window.

• Ecosystem value — potential for follow-up collaboration, R&I proposals, or commercial deployment with SolarHub partners.

Selection process

• Applications close on 10 July 2026.

• A joint panel of SolarHub partners and Challenge Owners reviews submissions.

• Results announced on 25 July 2026.

• Selected solution providers are matched with their Challenge Owner and invited to the September Bootcamp.

What selected solution providers receive

• Direct working access to the Challenge Owner and their technical team.

• Access to relevant SolarHub Pre-Designs and supporting documentation.

• Coaching during the Bootcamp (14–18 Sep 2026) and Validation Stage (Sep–Dec 2026).

• A pitching slot at the Final Event in Thessaloniki (9 Dec 2026).

• Eligibility for the SolarHub prizes (€5.000) .

• Entry into SolarHub's wider network for R&I proposal support and consortium building.

What is expected of you

• If selected, attend the Bootcamp week (online + Thessaloniki hybrid).

• Engage actively with your Challenge Owner during the Validation Stage.

• Deliver a final pitch at the December event.

• Acknowledge SolarHub and the EU funding in any communication arising from the collaboration.

What is not part of the programme

• Direct cash grants to solution providers from SolarHub. Prize money is awarded through SolarHub Project mechanism

• IP transfer obligations. IP arrangements are negotiated directly between solution provider and Challenge Owner where applicable.

• Working with the challenge owner and submitting a solution proposal against one specific challenge.

• If selected, participating in the September Bootcamp (14–18 Sep 2026) and the Validation Stage (Sep–Dec 2026).

• Pitching at the Final Event in Thessaloniki on 9 December 2026.

• Pitching at the Final Event of SolarHub in December 2026.