Wien Energie Innovation Challenge #9
The challenge
In this Innovation Challenge, Wien Energie will work together with start-ups to develop energy solutions for Vienna’s future. This year the focus areas are:
- Digital twins for warehouses
- Anti-icing for wind turbines
- Computer-using agents
Die Einreichungsfrist ist abgelaufen
Wien Energie: Innovation Challenge #9
Wien Energie is looking to join forces with innovative start-ups in order to develop solutions for a future powered by sustainable energy and mobility. By bringing innovative start-ups together to work with its in-house experts, Wien Energie aims to develop sustainable energy solutions for a climate-neutral Vienna.
Since 2017, Wien Energie has been working with start-ups and strategic partners from all over the world on “Innovation Challenges” and other programs to develop sustainable solutions in the areas of carbon-free energy generation, circularity, electromobility and digital transformation.
Why does Wien Energie value its collaborations with start-ups? Wien Energie can develop products with more agility and speed when working together with start-ups. Successful pilot projects from these collaborations can be scaled up at a later stage, generating new products and business models for Wien Energie and the city of Vienna. Young companies can also benefit from Wien Energie’s infrastructure, expertise and access to over 2 million customers, thus helping start-ups to successfully launch their ideas and products on the market. Collaboration is a win-win situation for everyone.
Focus Areas
Digital twins for warehouses
Wien Energie would greatly benefit from a digital twin of its warehouse system and/or logistics processes, including: physical infrastructure, inventories, the movement of goods, employee activity, and the warehouse environment. Advantages include the optimization of warehouse processes, early error detection and maintenance, and the ability to create forecasts and simulations. Given the increasing complexity of requirements, we are looking for a solution that can meet these challenges.
A solution would require the following conditions:
- The solution enables seamless integration with the SAP MM module;
- Data should be analyzable, i.e. via data export, and offer concrete recommendations for action;
- A user-friendly interface is very important;
- The solution should be provided as a cloud platform;
- The provider should have experience in maintenance operations or warehouse processes, especially in companies with multiple locations;
- The tool must be available in German.
Experience in supply chain management would also be an advantage to ensure a comprehensive and efficient solution. Our goal is to find a solution that not only meets current requirements but can also be adapted to future challenges.
Computer-Using Agent
It is very important to Wien Energie that our employees can work securely, quickly and independently with existing low-code/no-code tools. This can speed up internal processes and reduce the existing dependency on central IT teams for simple digitalization or automation tasks.
We are looking for an AI agent to support our employees in working with tools such as Microsoft Power Platform (e.g. Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI), Microsoft Dynamics 365 and standard tools (e.g. Forms, SharePoint, Excel). The solution should have a natural understanding of language in order to answer employee questions in context.
The task of the computer-using agent is to support employees with specific steps within the applications or to carry out simple actions themselves after confirmation. Such actions can include, for example, the automated creation of Power Automate flows. It is important that the solution can be hosted in our own tenant/network.
Example use case: AI project management expert
When planning PV projects, a large number of standards and criteria must be taken into account (some are over 500 pages!) as well as existing contracts. We are seeking an AI-solution that can take on the role of “Project Management Expert.”
Currently, more than 60 people work on a PV project and technical questions must be answered by one responsible person. The AI-Expert should therefore be able to answer complex questions, assist with project planning, and guide users through the entire project. The AI-Expert should also be able to work with critical internal data in compliance with GDPR and learn independently based on feedback. Other areas for potential development could also include image recognition or similar features.
A strong focus on scalability is also important. The use cases may not be as complex, but it would still be highly beneficial, as saving ca. 10-30% of the time currently required would increase the number of projects that we could implement. The AI-Expert could also potentially be used for similar projects such as hydropower or wind power.
Anti-icing for wind turbines
Wind power is a key component of the energy transition. As a renewable energy source, it provides a reliable supply of electricity—as long as the technical conditions are right. Especially in mountainous regions, ice buildup on machine parts is one of the biggest challenges as it can significantly impair the operation of wind turbines. Even a small amount of ice can cause the turbine to shut down, significantly reducing its output.
Our goal is to reduce ice buildup as much as possible—or better, prevent it altogether. We are therefore looking for innovative solutions that can contribute to the prevention of ice buildup in all forms, including: new materials, special coatings, technical systems, or creative approaches from other fields. Solutions that can be applied retroactively to existing turbines are particularly welcome, so that upgrades for these turbines can be planned and implemented without needing to involve the original manufacturer.
We are open to all approaches, regardless of industry or stage-of-development. However, it is important that the solution is compatible with the existing warranty requirements of the turbine manufacturers.
How it works
Feedback& Exchange
Intensive cooperation and exchange with Wien Energie experts. You have the opportunity to work on a joint project together with Austria’s largest energy provider.
PoCBudget
The top start-ups and projects will receive an award budget of up to 50,000€ for their PoC or pilot project. With this award you can get straight to work on implementation.
Partnership withWien Energie
Benefit from Wien Energie as a partner or customer. You could also gain access to Wien Energie’s network to support scaling up.
Who should apply?
Start-ups that meet the following criteria are invited to apply:
- Your product or technology is ready to use.
- You already have customers or (pilot) projects in the energy sector or similar industries.
- You are ready to cooperate with Wien Energie.
- The founder or director of your start-up can participate, preferably in-person, at our Innovation Bootcamp in Vienna on Nov. 12-14, 2025.
Important:
Wien Energie is a public company and required to issue calls for tenders. After applying via the button below, you will receive a link to the ANKÖ platform. An application for Challenge #9 is only valid if the ANKÖ process has also been completed.
How will applicants be selected?
Your application will be evaluated by a jury made up of Wien Energie experts. The jury will evaluate your application based on the following criteria:
- Level of innovation
- Sustainability and CO2 savings
- Need for the solution
- Feasibility in the coming year(s)
- Revenue or savings potential
Timeline
Selected start-ups will take part in the three-part Innovation Challenge consisting of a Collaboration Phase, Innovation Bootcamp and Acceleration Phase. (Dates subject to change)
The online pitch sessions will be held on July 22, 2025, as follows:
- Anti-icing for wind turbines: 10:00-12:00
- Digital twins for warehouses: 13:00-15:00
- Computer Using Agents: 15:00-17:00
Success Stories
Kraken IM
Using the data platform from Kraken IM, Wien Energie can now forecast and analyze the CO2 emissions for projects still in the design phase and track them through to implementation. This allows the company to make data-based decisions that will help bring Vienna closer to its climate targets. This project was started as part of the Innovation Challenge #7.
Smart Thermal Network
Through a digital twin, Wien Energie is driving the digitalization and automation of its district heating’s secondary network and continuously developing optimization models. The Smart Thermal Network Team together with the Scandinavian start-ups Gradyent and Noda won the Wien Energie Innovation Challenge #5.
Smart Inspection
With the help of intelligent drones, Wien Energie can quickly and efficiently check its facilities for defects, day or night. This innovative approach helps them to minimize the downtime of their wind and photovoltaic plants. Smart Inspection was launched as part of the first Wien Energie Innovation Challenge in 2017.
FAQs
How does the application process work?
You can start the application process by completing the application form, which will be available until July 7, 2025. You must also submit an additional application via the ANKÖ platform. The link to the ANKÖ platform will be sent after the initial application is received.
After we have reviewed all applications, we will contact the applicants. If your start-up is working on an exciting solution and we want to learn more about it, then we will invite you to an online pitch session. During this session, we will get to know each other better and clarify any initial questions from both sides. The best start-ups per focus area will then be invited to take part in the Collaboration Phase.
Why do I need to submit an additional application on the ANKÖ platform?
Wien Energie is a public company and is required to run open calls for tender. As the goal of this challenge is to successfully implement, roll-out and scale projects, it is subject to the tendering process as carried out on the ANKÖ platform. All start-ups that apply on the landing page will receive a link to the ANKÖ platform. An application for the Innovation Challenge will only be valid when the ANKÖ process has been successfully completed.
How should the application questions be answered?
Your application should contain as much information as necessary for third parties to assess your business model and market potential. We will contact you if something is unclear or more information is needed. Based on this information, we will make an initial selection.
Is it possible to apply if we have already received funding?
Yes, absolutely. This program is all about collaboration and finding solutions together.
When developing the concept, is it necessary to already have a specific technology provider right from the start?
We are open to applications from companies that are prepared to develop a concept, even if no technology provider is involved from the outset. It may also be the case, that you have already worked with other/several technology providers, but would prefer to wait for the precise framework conditions before selecting one. The research and selection of a provider can be included in your general concept as a task to be completed later. Also, more than one partner can be selected for the shortlist in order to drive the topic forward.
Digital Twin Focus Area: For what goods and/or means of transport will Wien Energie use this solution?
What happens at the online pitch session at the beginning of July?
Applicants that show the most potential will be invited to a short, online pitch session. At this session, the start-ups should present their solutions, USP, market potential and proposals for a collaboration with Wien Energie. The pitches will take place virtually and Wien Energie experts will be present to evaluate each presentation.
What happens during the Collaboration Phase?
We will select max. 5 start-ups for the Collaboration Phase. In this phase, the start-ups will work together with Wien Energie experts to prepare prototypes, pilot projects and business cases, and a collaboration manager will support the joint working process.
How many start-ups will be selected for the Innovation Bootcamp?
Up to five teams made up of start-up staff and Wien Energie experts will develop their concepts and pitches at the Innovation Boot Camp.
In-person participation is preferred, however online participation can be arranged if necessary.
What will happen at the Innovation Bootcamp on Nov. 12-14, 2025?
Five start-ups will work together with Wien Energie experts to develop concepts, pilot projects and pitches at the Innovation Bootcamp. On the last day of the camp, the teams will present their concepts to a jury, which will then select the most promising concepts for the Acceleration Phase.
In-person attendance at the bootcamp is desired, however virtual participation can also be arranged as necessary.
Who will be in the jury at the end of the Collaboration Phase?
The presentations at the end of the Innovation Bootcamp will be given in front of a jury of Wien Energie experts.
How many pilot projects will be selected by the jury?
The number of pilot projects to be selected for the Acceleration Phase is not defined in advance. All pilot projects that Wien Energie considers relevant could advance to the next phase.
The start-ups that are invited to the Boot Camp but are not selected by the jury will receive compensation of up to 2,000€.
What happens during the Acceleration Phase?
After the Innovation Bootcamp, Wien Energie will set up an individual cooperation agreement with selected start-ups. The goal is then to build a prototype and/or prepare the project for a long-term cooperation. A budget for the first prototypes and pilot projects can be provided.
What happens after the Acceleration Phase?
After the Acceleration Phase, successful pilot projects can be rolled out and/or scaled up. A decision on follow-up projects or future activities will only be made after the pilot project has been completed.
Are travel expenses reimbursed?
Travel and accommodation costs for the program, incl. the Innovation Bootcamp, will not be reimbursed. Alternatively, virtual participation at the Innovation Bootcamp is also possible.
Partners
Wien Energie supplies two million people and 230,000 commercial and industrial facilities with a reliable source of energy. Supply security and climate protection are two of our top priorities. Electricity and heat production come from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower as well as biomass, waste recycling and cogeneration.
With 3,042.0 million euros of revenue and 2,179 employees (2022), Wien Energie is one of the 30 most profitable companies in Austria and one of the largest employers in Vienna.
