GAEA Final Virtual Info Day Green Alternatives for European Autonomy

Summary

The Gaia Challenge, a comprehensive open innovation program, was introduced by host Vasil Sadis to support innovators and idea holders in developing green alternatives for European autonomy. The program, funded by the EU, aims to address the energy crisis and promote entrepreneurship in the energy sector. Participants can expect free startup services worth up to €30,000, networking opportunities, and the chance to establish at least five new startups by September 2025. The challenge is open to all, with regional innovation competitions across eight European countries, and the application deadline has been extended to May 12th, 2024.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The Gaia Challenge is a comprehensive open innovation program aimed at developing innovative concepts into startups, particularly within the energy sector.
• 📅 The program runs from February 2024 to September 2025, with phases including idea generation, incubation, regional innovation competitions, and startup establishment.
• 🏆 Beyond Innovation is the project leader of the Gaia Challenge Consortium, which includes partners like UNESCO, EAT Raw Materials, and the Greek Association of Environmental Protection companies.
• 💡 The main objective is to enhance entrepreneurial skills, interconnect regional ecosystems, foster innovation and startup generation, and establish at least five new startups in the European Zone by the end of the program.
• 🌍 The participating countries in the Gaia Challenge are Serbia, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Greece, with eight regional challenges planned.
• 🏆 Benefits for participants include free startup services worth up to €30,000, networking opportunities, and digital certificates from a top European innovation initiative.
• 💼 The provided startup services encompass education, consulting, and mentoring from industry experts, designed to guide participants throughout the program.
• 📝 To apply, individuals or teams need to submit a project name, team representative details, and a brief description of their innovative idea in the application form.
• 🔍 The thematic areas of innovation for the Gaia Challenge include renewable energy, smart and sustainable cities, energy storage, energy efficiency, and raw material sectors.
• 🤝 Non-European citizens are welcome to participate, but the program encourages establishing business entities within the European Zone.
• ✂️ The application deadline for phase one of the program has been extended to May 12th, 2024, allowing more time for individuals and teams to apply.

Q & A

What is the Gaia Challenge and what does GAIA stand for?

The Gaia Challenge is an open innovation program designed for innovators and idea holders to develop or refine an innovative concept into a startup. GAIA stands for Green Alternatives for European Autonomy, and it is an initiative aimed at providing solutions within the energy sector.

What is the main goal of the Gaia Challenge?

The main goal of the Gaia Challenge is to enhance entrepreneurial skills among participants, interconnect regional ecosystems within the pan-European market, and foster innovation and startup generation within the energy sector.

Which countries are participating in the Gaia Challenge?

The participating countries in the Gaia Challenge are Serbia, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Greece.

What is the duration of the Gaia Challenge program?

The Gaia Challenge program started in February 2024 and is set to last until September 2025.

What are the phases of the Gaia Challenge program?

The Gaia Challenge program consists of three phases: Phase one (Idea Generation and Regional Innovation Competitions) from March to May 2024, Phase two (Incubation and Regional Innovation Competitions) from June to October 2024, and Phase three (Acceleration and Startup Establishment) from November 2024 to September 2025.

What are the benefits for participants of the Gaia Challenge?

Participants will receive free startup services worth up to 30,000 euros, including education, consulting, and mentoring sessions. They will also gain a network with entrepreneurs, mentors, and organizations, and receive a digital certificate from a top European innovation initiative.

How much monetary support will the top three teams of each Regional Innovation competition receive?

The top three teams of each Regional Innovation competition will receive a total of 3,000 euros, split equally among them.

What is the deadline for applying to the boot camp trainings of the Gaia Challenge?

The extended deadline for applying to the boot camp trainings of the Gaia Challenge is May 12th, 2024.

Can non-European citizens participate in the Gaia Challenge?

Yes, non-European citizens are welcome to participate in the Gaia Challenge. However, the program promotes establishing business entities within the European Zone.

Is it possible to apply with more than one idea to the Gaia Challenge?

Participants can choose one idea to submit for each Regional Innovation Challenge. If someone has multiple ideas, they can participate in different Regional Innovation Challenges in different countries, provided they have the time and effort to do so.

Can ideas from the Green Tech Challenge be submitted to the Gaia Challenge?

Yes, ideas from the Green Tech Challenge are welcome to be submitted to the Gaia Challenge, as the Gaia Challenge is an extension and development of the Green Tech Challenge.