Join the European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge and turn your idea into impact!
€ 100.000* for your nature-based solution
>>>
€ 100.000* for your nature-based solution >>>
* see terms & conditions
imagine a world...
Where buildings don’t just stand tall - but breathe, adapt, and give back.
A place where nature breaks through and turns urban spaces into climate-reslilient ecosystems.
Nearly 40 % of global CO₂ emissions come from construction – yet traditional methods often work against nature instead of with it. This makes it not only one of the most urgent challenges, but also one of the most powerful levers for change. What’s needed now: groundbreaking, scalable, and climate-adaptive innovations.
Nature-based innovations are changing the game: They reduce heat, clean air and water, and increase climate resilience by bringing nature back into cities – transforming how we build and live.
THE CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE IS REAL.
SO IS THE SOLUTION.
The European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge (EGC) unlocks the full potential of nature-based solutions, by empowering start-ups to break through with their sustainable innovation.
Accept the challenge now and shape a sustainable urban future – where cities and nature grow together!
Join the Challenge and
turn your idea into impact!
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>>> GAIN FUNDING & VISIBILITY
Get 100,000 € in funding to bring your solution to life in Stuttgart – with a public showcase around IBA’27, one of Europe’s biggest stages in the building sector and a partner of the European GROUNDBREAKERS challenge. The ten best submissions will be exhibited.
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>>> CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS
As Germany’s leading start-up alliance in construction, GROUNDBREAKERS stands by your side, connects you to the right partners and creates real-world implementation opportunities.
There’s always more than one solution: Up to 10 additional projects receive recognition, pilot opportunities, and industry connections that open doors to the market.
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>>> BE A PART OF THE BUILDING REVOLUTION
As a startup in nature-based construction solutions, you are a key player in climate-resilient transformation and the building revolution. Connect with other founders and improve urban wellbeing!
HOW TO JOIN THE EUROPEAN GROUNDBREAKERS CHALLENGE
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Sustainable, nature-based innovations for buildings & adjacent space
Ready-to-implement prototypes with viable business case (TRL 6+)
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.
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100,000 € to realize your winning solution in Stuttgart
High profile showcase around IBA’27
Direct industry access to GROUNDBREAKERS‘ network and expert mentoring
There is always more than one solution: Up to 10 additional submissions receive recognition, visibility, and access to real-world partnerships.
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The selection follows a two-step process:
Step 1: Pre-selection by GROUNDBREAKERS team and experts.
Step 2: Final decision by an interdisciplinary jury from science, business, public administration, architecture, and building ecology.
Evaluation criteria: Feasibility, innovation, sustainability, showcase potential, business model (TRL 6+, scalable, long-term viability), team experience
FAQ
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Startups, student teams, entrepreneurs – from all around the EU, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Norway or Israel. All teams are welcome – as long as your idea is ready for real-world application.
For more information, check out the terms & conditions. -
With 100,000 € funding and mentoring from GROUNDBREAKERS. The idea and implementation are in your hands – we support and connect.
The project will be presented around the International Building Exhibition in Stuttgart 2027, one of Europe’s most renowned platforms for building innovation and partner of the European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge.
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2025
Submission by October 15, 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)
Info Calls
GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT JOINING THE Challenge?
Take part in one of our official info calls for startups and teams interested in applying. We will provide a short overview of the European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge and open the floor to your questions.
No registration required.
July 22, 2025 - 10:00 CEST
August 19, 2025 - 10:00 CEST
September 16, 2025 - 10:00 CEST
Download
Contact
University of Applied Science Stuttgart organizes the European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge
HFT Stuttgart
Schellingstraße 24
70174 Stuttgart
GERMANY
Hannah Pinell
Head of Challenge
challenge@groundbreakers.io
OUR PARTNERS
