In keeping with the motto “Building in harmony with nature means living in harmony with nature,” the Klimahouse Startup Award 2018 is reserved for innovative European startups that focus on the harmonious relationship between humans and nature through sustainable technologies in the areas of smart building, smart living, and smart cities.
With the aim of giving new impetus to the green tech sector and providing concrete support to young companies in the market, the competition will take place as part of the Klimahouse Innovation Days, an intensive four-day program dedicated to matchmaking between startups, investors, and strategic business partners. Another highlight of the event will be the presentation of a special prize from the South Tyrolean KlimaHaus Agency.
“Building in harmony with nature”
The Klimahouse Innovation Days will take place simultaneously with the Klimahouse trade fair from 24 to 27 January 2018 in Bolzano.
“Building in harmony with nature means living in harmony with nature”,
explained Thomas Mur, Director of the Bolzano Exhibition Centre:
"A concept that is deeply rooted here in South Tyrol. So much so, in fact, that the NOI (Nature of Innovation) technology park, which is being built nearby this fall, has also positioned itself according to this concept. By sensibly combining environmental protection and new technologies, we can create a new 'ecosystem' in which people and nature are at the center. With the Klimahouse Startup Award 2018, we now want to communicate this approach externally, at an international level, referring not only to the KlimaHaus guidelines in construction, but also, more broadly, to all construction techniques and technologies aimed at making buildings more intelligent and comfortable."
“Human being as part of the whole”
Luca Barbieri, scientific director of the event, explains:
"The Klimahouse Innovation Days 2018 aim to promote innovations that help people feel part of a whole: at home, in intelligent and connected living spaces, as well as outside their four walls in the smart cities of tomorrow. With the help of a highly qualified jury of experts, we will honor technologies with the Klimahouse Startup Award that represent a new form of urban living, focusing on the harmonious relationship between people and nature."
All details of the tender
All European startups operating in the fields of construction, energy, IT (Information Technology), or IoT (Internet of Things) are eligible to participate in the Klimahouse Startup Award 2018. The prerequisite is that the technologies involved can be applied in the field of energy renovation and energy-efficient construction. The term "startup" refers to all companies based in the EU that were founded less than three years ago and whose products and activities are characterized by innovative elements. Interested startups can apply until November 20, 2017 (6 p.m.). Apply via the online formIn addition, all applicants must submit a business plan.
For further information: Klimahousestartupaward@klimahouse.it
1st prize has a lot in store for the winner
By December 11, the expert jury will select 10 finalists, who will then have the opportunity to present their innovative products to a broad audience from January 24 to 27, 2018, in the Klimahouse Innovation Days Expo Area at the Klimahouse trade fair in Bolzano. Two pitch sessions are planned per day. For the first time, the jury will also include SEP (Startup Europe Partnership), an initiative to promote European startups through concrete support in raising capital and matching with companies and investors.
The three best startups (selected during the first two days of the exhibition) will compete in the grand finale on the afternoon of January 26th. The first prize of the Klimahouse Startup Award consists of a comprehensive service package: The winning startup will have the opportunity to participate in Klimahouse 2019 free of charge, as an exhibitor at the trade fair, and as a speaker at the side events. Furthermore, it will be able to participate as an exhibitor at Klimahouse Toscana in Florence from April 13th to 15th, 2018. In connection with its participation in Klimahouse 2019, the winning startup will be entitled to a comprehensive publicity service package. The prize money totals €20,000.
