European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge

Imagine a world… where buildings don’t just stand tall but breathe, adapt, and give back.

Yet, traditional approaches in building construction too often work against nature rather than with it: Nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions come from construction. Nature-based solutions can transform how we build and live – improving air and water quality, reducing heat, and strengthening our cities’ resilience to climate change.

EGC is looking for sustainable innovations in construction backed by sound business models that rethink what’s possible: green façades that clean the air, sponge city systems that manage rainwater naturally, or bio-based materials that reduce carbon footprints. What matters is innovation not only in materials or design – but in how we build and bring ideas to market.

EGC is your chance to turn your idea into real impact: With €100,000 in funding, connections to renowned construction industry players, and unmatched visibility around IBA’27, you can break out of the lab with your nature-based building solution – and into the real world. Whether you are a student team or a seasoned start-up: Join the European Groundbreakers Challenge and prove that nature is the solution for the building revolution – powered by your innovation.

A huge THANK YOU to Stuttgarter Klima-Innovationsfonds und iba’27 - for making this challenge come to life!