- The semi-final will mark the first phase of participants, and the finalists will be selected to participate in the grand final on October 8.
- The proposals will be evaluated by a professional and independent jury that will select the ideas that best respond to the challenges posed.
09/07/2024, Brussels. The RES4CITY STARTUP EUROPE ACCELERATHON idea accelerator will hold its online semi-final on Tuesday, July 30. This semi-final will define the finalists who will fight for victory in the final to be held on October 8 in Brussels, as part of the European Week of the Regions.
This semi-final will mark the end of the first part of the Accelerathon, in which they will have to demonstrate the evolution of their ideas during the three-month competition. During this competition, 20 teams composed by more than 70 participants received personalized mentoring with experts on the topics of the challenges to which they have offered solutions.
The semi-final will be a meeting between the participants, the mentors and the jury in charge of evaluating the ideas presented. This jury is composed of experts in electric mobility, land management, hydrogen production and gray water revaluation, areas that have been addressed by the Accelerathon participants. During this ceremony, an evaluation of the Accelerathon will be made and the names of the finalists who will fight for the victory will be announced.
Finnova, committed to entrepreneurship
The Finnova Foundation, partner of the European project RES4CITY, is the organizer of this ideas accelerator. Our entity has been designing this competition since September 2023 and it is being a success, a space where entrepreneurs from America, Europe and Africa with disruptive ideas that advocate decarbonization and circularity in urban environments are meeting.
During the competition, expert European project managers from the Foundation accompanied each team, which allowed participants to adjust their ideas to the proposals seeking access to European funds. In addition, participants have had access to the Foundation’s introductory course on European Funds, a tool with which they have been able to complete their proposals. All those who are interested in checking out the novelties brought by this ideas accelerator, can join the event through this link.
October 8, RES4CITY STARTUP EUROPE ACCELERATHON Grand Final
After the semi-final to be held on July 30, the finalists will fight for victory in the grand final of the Accelerathon, which will take place on October 8 from 11:30 to 13:00 (CEST) at the Albert Borschette Congress Center in Brussels (Belgium), as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities. Those interested in attending the final can register at this link to secure a place at the event.
This final will decide the winner of the RES4CITY STARTUP EUROPE ACCELERATHON, who will receive a European Acceleration Ticket. This ticket consists of advice from the Finnova Foundation for the co-writing of a proposal eligible for European funding. In addition, the winners will be able to attend events related to their idea to gain visibility and meet other interested parties.
About Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the EU’s new framework program for research and innovation (2021-2027), successor to Horizon 2020, with a budget of over €95 billion. Its objectives include combating climate change, aligning with the SDGs and boosting EU competitiveness. It seeks to achieve scientific, technological, economic and social impact, strengthening the scientific and technological bases and competitiveness of the Member States. The Commission believes that Europe’s future depends on its leadership in research and innovation, and Horizon Europe seeks to address global challenges such as health, aging, security, pollution and climate change.
About FINNOVA
FINNOVA is the Spanish-Belgian non-profit foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working for the promotion and development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. FINNOVA’s experience in leading communication and dissemination activities of European projects is combined with a solid proven track record in business creation and entrepreneurship support programs, such as accelerators, incubators and events, as well as its commitment to training and employability of young people.
About RES4CITY
RES4CITY is a project funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe Program, lasting 36 months (about 3 years) and a budget of 2.5 million euros. It aims to promote the development of renewable energy and sustainable fuel technologies in urban environments, through collaboration with stakeholders and the promotion of sustainability and circular economy.