Join the European GROUNDBREAKERS Challenge and turn your idea into impact!

Submission starts on July, 15th.

€ 100.000* for your nature-based solution

>>>

€ 100.000* for your nature-based solution >>>

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!

submission starts on July 15, 2025

  • >>> 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.

  • >>> 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.

  • >>> 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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

  • 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.

  • These details are required: contact information, company data, solution description, images, competition analysis, reference projects or implementation plan, concept for realization in Stuttgart, team profile, sustainability impact, business model

    You can find all detailed requirements in the preview of the application form.

    • 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.

  • 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

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

Elena Schön

Program Manager
challenge@groundbreakers.io

OUR PARTNERS