As an EIC-funded SME, you probably already had the chance to pitch your solution in multiple matchmaking initiatives to attract the attention of investors or potential customers. But did you ever try to build win-win synergies and co-create solutions with Business Partners? The EIC Greenhouse Gas Programme aims to leverage unique collaborative experiences between EIC companies and large European organisations and offer EIC companies the chance to co-create products and services. In this light, the European Innovation Council and Western Macedonia invite you to apply to our joint EIC GHG Co-creation initiative.
To make sustainable living a commonplace, the Region of Western Macedonia – and more specifically the Cluster of Bioeconomy and Environment of Western Macedonia (CLuBE) – seeks to develop synergies between local and regional participants and businesses in the bioenergy and environment sectors. Their goal? Introduce and develop innovation and increase its added value. So, save the date: this co-creation journey with Western Macedonia kicks off with an event on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2021.
Your co-creation journey
The EIC GHG Co-creation with Western Macedonia will be an entirely virtual service for six months, following the co-creation journey below.
Step 1: Applications and Info webinar
To apply to the EIC GHG Co-creation with Western Macedonia, you will have to fill the application form available here by the 1st of October 2021.
Step 2: Selection process
As soon as we close the submission process, your application will be shared with Western Macedonia. Then, they'll proceed with the evaluation and selection of the final list of participants. You'll be conducted once the selection process is finalised. Also, please note that any feedback or recommendation to the companies that were not selected won't be foreseen.
Step 3: Co-creation kick-off event – 2nd of November | Save the date!
After the selection process, a two-day ideation event with Western Macedonia will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2021. It will help you better understand the challenges and start co-developing your solutions with the business partners. During this meeting, you'll also have the chance to define a clear roadmap with your next steps.
Step 4: Iteration & Development
You'll have 2 months to implement the roadmap that you'll define with Western Macedonia. Not to mention, have the opportunity to validate it regularly to ensure you are steering in the right direction.
Demo Day
The Demo Day will showcase the final solutions and promote them to a bigger audience. Date TBD.
The challenges
Western Macedonia challenges are focused on adding photovoltaics to roads and highways, public buildings, adding wood to existing and new constructions, and decarbonising the Regional District Heating Systems.
Challenge - PVs on the top of roads/highways
Context: Application of PVs on existing infrastructure (e.g., national or provincial road)
Background: Reaching climate neutrality by 2050, as set out by the EC’s Green Deal, requires timely decarbonization of the energy sector, including a phase-out of coal.
This presents a huge challenge in terms of transforming the Region’s economy from its almost complete lignite dependency into other, diversified economic activities, whilst safeguarding the social cohesion and future prospects for local communities.
RES projects should be in line with the regional development planning and rationally placed throughout Western Macedonia’s territory under the projections of a robust regional spatial framework.
Specific challenge: We are looking for innovative RES solutions than can be applied/incorporated in already existing infrastructure and, most importantly, do not undermine other economic activities, as in the case of solar farms occupying valuable agricultural and grazing land.