Be the young talents driving innovations in German companies!
Choose Your Challenge!
- Create an idea deck and present your solution for one of our partner companies.
2. Enjoy hosting, with all expenses covered, and get paid for up to three months in beautiful Görlitz, Germany.
The transformation processes in the industry are fostering a more sustainable business.
- Therefore, emissions during the operation of industrial plants but especially also during power production shall be reduced.
- Siemens ENERGY wants to support enhancing energy efficiency at the factories of their customers by utilizing environmentally friendly technologies to generate electricity out of low-temperature waste heat sources.
- By this, they decrease fuel demands and save GHG emissions.
The transformation processes in Siemens Energy are fostering a more sustainable business.
- Therefore, emissions during the operation of their products but especially also during the production shall be reduced.
- Siemens Energy wants to decarbonize their factory by utilizing environmentally friendly technologies to cover their energy demands in the heat, electricity but also testing applications.
Görlitzer Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH is currently implementing the so-called “Public Transport Model City Project“.
- This project is being subsidised with around 70 million euros and involves the renewal of the transport infrastructure and the procurement of 8 new innovative trams.
- The focus of the infrastructure topics includes accessibility, innovation and digitalization. Furthermore, new drive technologies for tram vehicles and autonomous driving are to be tested.
LEAG is one of the major employers in Eastern Germany, operating the second-largest lignite mining area and employing around 7,000 people. It aims to shift to renewable energy and innovative low-emission technologies by 2038 under the brand GigawattFactory.
- Bridging the gap between energy demand and the variable availability of renewable sources.
- Efficiently installing PV modules and ensuring reliable, renewable 24/7 baseload energy.
Opened in 1910, the Town Hall Görlitz is a unique art nouveau concert hall. Built for the Silesian Music Festival, it has been a symbol of Görlitz’s up-and-coming society since its opening and has established itself as the city’s cultural memory. It has been closed since 2004 and has only been used occasionally. After the building was only given emergency repairs in recent years, it is now to be extensively renovated and modernized between 2025 and 2028. The aim is to create a modern cultural and congress center for a variety of uses.
- The conversion and future operation of the culture and convention center will take place under the guidelines of sustainability.
- The biggest challenge is to find sustainable energy solutions that support the operation of Stadthalle Görlitz without increasing its carbon footprint.
The town of Görlitz is an important and growing tourist destination in Upper Lusatia and Saxony. Lake Berzdorf is located right outside the city gates. In the past, lignite was mined in a scenic setting with fantastic views of the nearby mountains. After years of recultivation, the approximately 960-hectare lake now blends harmoniously into the landscape and there are already numerous offers for active recreation and relaxing vacations. Lake Berzdorf is also an exciting playing field for private investors to exploit existing development opportunities and realize their own projects.
- The initiative aims to establish a self-sufficient energy supply that promotes local tourism development, reduces the carbon footprint and is aligned with the city’s sustainability goals
It is expected that this transformation process will improve the conditions for the construction and operation of existing and additional tourist facilities during the peak summer season.
Application
- Fill out the contact form down below
- Describe your business idea or startup
- Choose one challenge and upload your idea deck (max. 5 slides)
- Check the boxes for Consent and Authorization Agreement and Data Protection
Do You Fulfill Our Requirements?
We are looking for young to established startups, interested in taking up the challenge presented by the city’s utility company for innovation development/transformation.
Startup teams should possess the following characteristics:
- Interest in moving to Germany's unique technology hub in Görlitz
- Ability to offer innovative solutions for companies and the region
- International experience and perspective
- Focus on addressing issues related to climate, energy, mobility, circular economy, and health
- Capacity to provide both hardware and software solutions
- Willingness to contribute to economic growth through settlements and company participations
- Ability to bring fresh perspectives and external key competencies to the challenge
That’s In For You!
Join the entrepreneurship challenge in Görlitz and get financial support, accommodation, and top-level coaching from Germany’s No.1 University for Entrepreneurship, HHL.
By participating in this entrepreneurship challenge, the startup teams can expect the following benefits
- Access to the vibrant European market, as Görlitz is located in an international three-country region, and proximity to the vibrant German capital Berlin
- Scientific collaboration with global players and potential for market access to new solutions for current challenges
- Free coaching by one of the best universities for entrepreneurship in Europe and Germany, HHL
- Access to HHL’s business network
- Innovative ecosystem as a real laboratory for pilot projects – unique experience to establish and build relationships within the team
- Accommodation for a reduced rate of utilities by the city of Görlitz and CoWorking at Siemens ENERGY, allowing for three months of free living
- Financial support of partner companies: 1.000€ gross monthly salary for each person (individual company contracts)
- Most importantly: Experience an exciting time abroad, collaborate with industry peers, and boost your own business!
Mapping The Path To Program Success
Choose your challenge and apply here
at ENERGY CoWorking Space in Görlitz, Germany
Start proof of concept
Connect With The Following Companies
Our network consists of regional companies and global players
Cooperation partner
STARTUP INCUBATOR AND UNIVERSITY