Start-up challenge:
Innovative tech for solar generation
As global leaders in the energy industry, at Iberdrola we are firmly committed to the transition towards a sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy model. In line with this commitment, we have made significant investments in renewable energies, especially in the implementation of large-scale wind and solar energy projects.
Innovation and collaboration with start-ups and research centres are fundamental to our strategy to continue leading the change towards a cleaner energy future.
We have teamed up with the National Association of European Business and Innovation Centres (ANCES 
External link, opens in new window.) to launch an open innovation challenge. This collaboration seeks to harness the talent and creativity of start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop innovative technological solutions to boost the photovoltaic sector.
The Challenge
Our challenge to you is to search for innovative solutions, both digital and related to the technological equipment – or hardware – in the field of photovoltaic solar power.
We are interested in any type of technology that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase durability or help integrate PV systems into different environments. Some areas of our interest include but are not limited to:
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Building integration: Solutions for customers to integrate solar panels into buildings and structures in an aesthetic and functional way.
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Solutions that improve integration with nature: Solutions that integrate photovoltaic systems in agricultural environments (agrovoltaic energy) or solutions that improve biodiversity around installations.
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Life cycle optimisation: Technologies that improve the construction, operation, maintenance and recycling of PV systems. This includes tools for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, such as advanced sensors, data analysis software and artificial intelligence systems.
We invite all start-ups and entrepreneurs to submit their proposals and join us in this exciting challenge. The solutions chosen will have the opportunity to work with Iberdrola on a pilot and potentially scale up their technology globally.
Start-up challenge:
Innovative technologies for solar generation
- February
- March
- April
- May
February
7 de February
Launch of the challenge
Call for proposals
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Sending the applications received on a weekly basis -
Screening of proposals by business -
Interaction with an external supplier for doubt-solving
March
15 de March
Analysis
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Analysis of the proposals received on the basis of the information in the form and the evaluation criteria -
Clarification meetings with start-ups -
Shortlisting
Solve your doubts about the challenge
What solutions are you looking for?
We are looking for any type of technology that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase durability or facilitate the integration of photovoltaic systems in different environments.
Why are Iberdrola and Perseo the right partners for my company?
Iberdrola is no stranger to working with startups and start-ups: in the last two years, the Group has launched more than 22 Start-up Challenges to address urgent issues in today's energy grids.
Working with Iberdrola presents a unique opportunity: winning this Challenge will reward you with the signing of a collaboration agreement for the development of a Proof of Concept (PoC). The PoC will be developed in collaboration with the technical specialists of Renewables. In addition, PERSEO covers the costs of the pilot activities and provides you with the necessary technical support, giving you access to infrastructures and real data to test your solution. In addition, PERSEO may consider investing in its solution.
What are the key benefits of the challenge for me?
- Collaboration Agreement and Pilot Test: The prize for the winner consists of a collaboration and testing agreement with PERSEO or any other company of the Iberdrola group. The group will support the cost of the pilot activities.
- Access to all areas: Iberdrola will provide the winner with all the necessary technical support, as well as a location and real data to test the solution. This includes access to equipment, equipment, infrastructure, high-tech sites, and shared workspaces.
- Scale your technology: If the pilot test is successful, Iberdrola will be able to offer the winner the opportunity to scale the solution by adapting it through commercial agreements.
- Investment: In addition, PERSEO will consider investing in the participating company and/or the winner of the challenge.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
You are welcome to submit more than one proposal, just be sure to submit a request form for each proposal.
When is the deadline to register?
The deadline for submitting applications for this challenge is March 14, 2025.
How will registrations be evaluated?
When evaluating its proposals, Iberdrola will consider, among others, the following value propositions:
- The maturity, reliability and scalability of the solution, including hardware (sensors) and software/algorithm for both equipment management and data processing to generate alerts.
- Simplicity of installation (Plug&Play), maintenance and autonomy (low consumption/self-powered).
- Integration with current tracking systems.
- The total cost, both initial and recurring.
Solutions will be selected based on the evaluation criteria. The startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators who have joined the challenge the most will receive an email notification and will be invited to chat with the project's team of specialists.
Who can participate in the challenge?
Entrepreneurs, start-ups, researchers, specialists and innovators able to scale up their solutions and negotiate partnerships and commercial contracts together with a company with global reach.
For questions that aren't here or for more information, who should I contact?
Send an email directly to the following account: IberdrolaChallenge@iberdrola.es