Now accepting applications until 30 September 2024
The European Technology Innovation Platform for Bioenergy (ETIP-Bioenergy) invites the research and innovation bioenergy community to participate in the TRUSTxBio: Empowering Trust and Innovation in Biofuels and Bioenergy Challenge.
Innovation in bioenergy stands as a crucial imperative in today’s landscape, especially as we navigate the complex challenges of sustainability and energy security. With the escalating concerns over climate change and the urgency to transition towards renewable energy sources, bioenergy emerges as a promising avenue. Integration of AI and digital solutions in bioenergy technologies offers transformative potential, facilitating efficient biomass conversion processes, predictive modelling for optimal resource utilization, and real-time monitoring of bioenergy systems.
The primary goal of the Challenge is to expedite the development of fresh innovations that incorporate digital technological solutions in a way that enhances transparency and fosters public trust in bioenergy feedstocks.
In a series of expert workshops, the Challenge will provide participants with the valuable opportunity to learn how to increase the stakeholder engagement with their concept or a product and train how to pitch their innovative concepts to potential investors.
Eligibility
The Challenge is open to all innovative concepts, including products, technologies, and solutions, that are developed beyond the research stage and fall under one of the technologies or value chains in the scope of ETIP Bioenergy, for example:
- improving or developing conversion technologies;
- making entire value chains more efficient or sustainable;
- solutions that use different digital technologies, such as AI, data analysis, location-based technology, as well as augmented reality.
Applications are welcome both from individual businesses or institutions (e.g. research organisation, university etc.) and from teams formed of two or more entities, registered in the EU.
Reward
The Challenge aims to provide two significant opportunities for all participating Participants:
- Accelerated Concept Development: Participants will have the chance to expedite the development of their Concepts through the Challenge.
- Dissemination, Matching with Funding Opportunities: The Challenge organizers will assist in creating high level dissemination and networking channels for the participants, ultimately connecting the Concepts with appropriate matchmaking and funding opportunities.
The winner will have the opportunity to pitch their concepts to financing institutions such as the European Commission, the European Investment Bank or angel investors.
Timeline
Please note that the dates shown are indicative and will be updated by the beginning of September 2024.
1. Application Stage
Mid July – 30 September 2024
Interested applicants must fill in the form, linked below, and provide a detailed description of their concept, indicating how their innovation advances and contributes to raising awareness and interest in bioenergy, along with additional information.
2. Evaluation and Announcement of Short-Listed Participants
1 – 18 October 2024
All applications will be reviewed by an internal selection committee (the Jury), which will assess the relevance of the concepts against the challenge goals. The most promising concepts will move onto the next stage where teams will gain access to an online library of materials to help them further enhance their ability to present and promote their concepts.
3. Virtual kick-off event: Presentation of Concepts
21 – 25 October 2024
The event will inform the participants about the rules of participation, schedule of the competition, Jury members and program logistics. They will have the possibility to present their short-listed concepts and connect with the other contestants.
4. Workshop 1: Communicating Better: Translating Science to the Public
28 October – 1 November 2024
Over a series of online workshop sessions, participants will learn how to communicate the scientific aspects of their concepts to a wider audience. Guest speakers will present key insights how to translate complex research findings into messages that are easily understandable and applicable to our daily life.
5. Workshop 2: Fundraising: How to Pitch to Investors like a Pro
4 – 8 November 2024
In the second series of online workshop sessions, participants will learn how to pitch their innovative concept to potential funding institutions. Guest speakers will share first-hand experience and useful tips for a successful presentation of business concepts and finding the right financing sources.
6. Accelerating Concepts
11 – 22 November 2024
Based on knowledge from the workshops, the participants will have a 2-week period to upgrade their concepts before they pitch them to the Jury.
7. Online Presentation of Accelerated Concepts
25 – 29 November 2024
All challenge participants will pitch their accelerated concepts to the Jury and will receive feedback on their concepts from the jury members to enable them to further develop their ideas at a later stage.
8. Evaluation and Winner Announcement
29 November – 13 December 2024
The Jury will evaluate the accelerated concepts based on pre-defined criteria and will announce the winner.
9. Award Ceremony (ETIP-B SPM)
12 March 2025
The winner(s) will be recognized and awarded by ETIP Bioenergy and invited to present their innovation during an international conference on 12 March 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. The winner will have the opportunity to pitch their concepts to financing institutions such as the European Commission, the European Investment Bank or angel investors.
10. Follow-up
After the challenge is completed, participants will receive additional benefits facilitated by the organizers including:
- Connections with mentors who are well-positioned to accelerate each innovation’s development. Potential partners include JRC (Joint Research Centre) and INSAIT (Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology).
- Joining a dedicated working group focused on pressing issues identified by the participants during the workshops.
Applications are now open until 30 September and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
Please refer to the Rulebook for further information. In case of additional questions, please contact Ms Kalina Tcolova, Energy and Climate Analyst at the Center for the Study of Democracy, at kalina.tcolova@csd.eu.
