Second round of Idea Challenge launched

EIT ICT Labs has launched the second round of its Idea Challenge. The EU-wide contest for innovators and early stage start-ups in the field of ICT provides essential resources to boost a business, including cash, office spaces, coaching and access to world-leading universities, research institutes and companies, such as Siemens, SAP, IBM, Intel and Philips.

For the second time this year, the Knowledge and Innovation Community calls on those with ICT talents and an entrepreneurial spirit to develop “game changing” business visions. The ideas should relate to one of the following innovation areas: smart energy systems, cybersecurity and privacy, the Internet of Things, and urban life and mobility.

The first round of the Idea Challenge drew over 300 entries from 25 EU countries. 12 European start-ups won an overall amount of €320,000 and are already working closely with the EIT ICT Labs Business Accelerator to further develop their ideas.

“Following the success of the first wave, we are proud to empower even more talented teams in the next round,” says Willem Jonker, CEO of EIT ICT Labs. “ICT talents are at the heart of EIT ICT Labs as they help us to drive ICT innovation for economic growth and quality of life. We have a strong ecosystem that knows how to put innovation to work, and we are looking forward to receiving your ideas.”

Ideas can be submitted until 30 September here. Participants have the opportunity to win a cash prize of €15,000-40,000. The best teams will be invited to Berlin, Trento, Stockholm or London (depending on the topic) in order to pitch their ideas in front of an expert jury.