Open Horizons is built around real industry challenges defined by leading corporate partners.
This challenge-based framework means that from the very beginning, selected startups work on solutions with direct market demand, guided by the companies who asked for these innovations.
This approach means that your product can find immediate market appeal, as your pilot is designed to meet a real, validated need. The uptake on the market is also improved by the strategic mentorship provided by industry leaders: you will work directly with corporate partners who know the sector inside out. After realizing your solution, you get the key to a powerful network for scaling: Gain EU-wide visibility and connections that extend beyond the pilot.
Here are just a few of the challenges shaping the future of energy, mobility, and advanced manufacturing currently open in Open Call #1:
- Automatic machine assignment and optimization of weaving and dyehouse production
Develop solutions that automatically assign and optimize weaving and dyehouse production processes based on yarn and fabric parameters. The goal: improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure flexibility in handling complex orders.
- Comparative tool for renewable thermal solutions
Create a digital tool that enables stakeholders to simulate, compare, and select the most suitable renewable thermal solutions (e.g., heat pumps, solar thermal systems) based on real, hourly energy demand profiles – bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world performance.
- Adaptive optimization algorithms for urban EV charging networks
Design adaptive, data-driven algorithms to optimize electric vehicle charger usage across urban areas – boosting charger utilization, reducing wait times, and supporting scalable deployment strategies for cities and operators.
- Multidirectional energy flows: vehicle-to-grid-to-home
Develop powerful bidirectional inverters that allow electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to become active players in household energy management – supporting both vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid energy flows, while meeting safety and interoperability standards.
For more details on the objectives and expected outcomes on these and the other 13 challenges, explore the Complete list of Challenges.
Apply before 21 August 2025, 17:00 CEST to secure up to €55,000 in equity-free funding and work side by side with top industry players.