SolarHub project in collaboration with the Federation of Industries of Greece (SBE), a member of the Enterprise Europe Network, invites you to participate in the Open Innovation Challenges 2026.

This international open innovation and matchmaking initiative connects industry with the European innovation ecosystem. By facilitating collaboration between businesses, public organizations, startups, scale-ups, and research teams, it aims to develop viable solutions for real industrial challenges.

SolarHub SYNERGIES 2026 provides a framework for collaboration between industry and solution providers to develop technologies in photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, agrivoltaics, and electrical grid integration. Seven specific energy challenges are currently seeking Solution Providers.

Who Can Participate

  • Startups, SMEs, and scale-ups

  • Research teams and research centers

  • University spin-offs

  • Independent researchers

Submissions can be solutions, products, prototypes, methodologies, or services addressing one of the seven challenges. Proposals at any Technology Readiness Level (TRL) are accepted if they show realistic development potential during the Validation Stage.

Submission Process

Register on the platform, select a challenge, and submit the proposal by September 18, 2026.

Benefits

Selected Solution Providers receive:

  • Direct collaboration with Challenge Owners and technical teams.

  • Access to SolarHub Pre-Designs and documentation.

  • Coaching during the Bootcamp and Validation Stage.

  • Opportunity to present the solution at the final event in Thessaloniki.

  • Eligibility for a €5,000 cash prize.

  • Access to the SolarHub network for future projects and consortiums.

Timeline

  • September 18, 2026: Submission deadline

  • September 30, 2026: Evaluation results announced

  • October 1 – 6, 2026: Bootcamp

  • October 6 – December 4, 2026: Validation Stage

  • December 9, 2026: Final Pitching Event (Thessaloniki)

  • December 16, 2026: Award Ceremony

For information, visit the SBE website or contact Ms. Kyriaki Konstantinou: