European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge
Join the European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge and bring your nature-based building solution to life with €100,000 funding.
ApplyJoin the European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge and bring your nature-based building solution to life with €100,000 funding.
Why Apply?
The European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge offers €100,000 for nature-based building solutions, targeting startups with sustainable innovations in construction. Participants gain funding, visibility at IBA’27, and industry connections. The competition focuses on scalable, climate-adaptive innovations, providing mentoring and real-world implementation opportunities. Ideal for startups ready to showcase their solutions and connect with industry leaders in sustainable construction.
Who can apply?
Solution Type
Sustainable, nature-based innovations for buildings & adjacent space.
Prototype Readiness
Ready-to-implement prototypes with a viable business case (TRL 6+).
Showcase Potential
Showcase potential within one year: existing buildings, demonstrators, or stand-alone.
Fields of Action
Green surfaces, water systems, bio-based materials, and related innovations in building construction.
Geographical Eligibility
Startups, student teams, entrepreneurs from the EU, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Norway, or Israel.
Timeline
- 2025:
- - Submission by September 30, 2025:
- - Pre-Selection by GROUNDBREAKERS Team and Experts:
- - Final Jury Decision:
- - Award Ceremony in November:
- 2026:
- - Implementation of your solution - mentored by our GROUNDBREAKERS team:
- - Industry access and matchmaking:
- 2027:
- - Showcase around International Building Exhibition in Stuttgart (IBA’27):
Benefits
Funding and Visibility
Get 100,000 € in funding to bring your solution to life in Stuttgart with a public showcase around IBA’27.
Industry Connections
Connect with industry leaders and gain real-world implementation opportunities.
Networking
Connect with other founders and improve urban wellbeing.