The Open Innovation Challenge 2025, hosted by Elia Group, is a global initiative inviting startups, innovators, and technology providers to submit practical, people-centered solutions that can improve workplace experiences and support the people driving Europe’s energy transition. Unlike traditional innovation contests focused on hardware or energy grid technology, this year’s edition places humans at the center of innovation. With the overarching theme “People First,” the challenge aims to support initiatives that empower workers, promote well-being, and foster a culture of safety and innovation in high-impact energy infrastructure environments.
Participants are encouraged to think holistically about the challenges faced by employees—from knowledge management, cultural transformation, and behavioral security to mental health and safety in high-risk workspaces. The challenge offers innovators an opportunity to partner with Elia Group, which is responsible for operating electricity transmission systems in Belgium (Elia) and in Germany (50Hertz), serving over 30 million people. With this reach, successful solutions have the potential to scale across a massive network that sits at the heart of Europe’s energy infrastructure.
Winners not only gain a significant financial award for proof-of-concept implementation but also access mentorship, expert guidance, and visibility in one of Europe’s most forward-thinking energy organizations. It’s more than a challenge—it’s a gateway to transform the future of work in energy through inclusive and impactful innovation.
To be eligible for the Open Innovation Challenge 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Who Can Apply: Startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and innovation teams across the world are eligible. There is no restriction on the geographic origin of applicants. However, solutions must align with the operational contexts of Elia and 50Hertz.
Focus Areas: Proposals must address at least one of the four central challenge themes:
Knowledge Management: Solutions that ease onboarding and improve internal knowledge transfer.
Cultural Change: Tools or programs that help foster inclusivity, empowerment, and open dialogue.
Security Awareness & Behavior: Innovations to promote cyber and operational safety among staff.
Physical and Mental Well-Being: Applications that improve employee safety, health, and work-life balance.
Stage of Maturity: Submissions should be more than just ideas; participants must present at least a minimum viable product (MVP) or a concept with demonstrable results or use cases. Preference is given to solutions ready for real-world testing.
Presentation & Documentation: All applicants must provide a clear explanation of their business case, technical requirements, implementation roadmap, and the value their innovation adds to Elia Group’s workforce.
Language and Communication: Applications and pitch sessions must be conducted in English.
Team Composition: The applicant team must consist of professionals with the capability and availability to engage in prototyping, coaching sessions, and a final pitch event in Brussels.
Availability: Finalists should be available between September and December 2025 for the mentoring phase and pitch event.
Prize
The Open Innovation Challenge 2025 offers a range of valuable rewards: €50,000 Proof-of-Concept Funding The winning team(s) will be awarded a financial grant of up to €50,000 to execute a proof-of-concept project with Elia Group or its German subsidiary, 50Hertz.
Benefit
Mentorship & Coaching: Finalists will be assigned dedicated mentors from Elia Group’s leadership and technical teams to help refine their solutions and integrate them effectively into existing infrastructure.
Pilot Deployment Opportunity: Winning innovations can be implemented in live environments within Elia Group’s operational framework, giving startups a powerful reference client in the European energy sector.
Visibility & Recognition: Shortlisted teams will pitch their solutions to top executives, innovation leaders, and external experts at a high-profile Demo Day event in Brussels.
Scaling Support: Post-challenge, winning teams may be considered for follow-up partnerships or extended deployments depending on the success of their pilot implementation.
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