On 28 January, PITCCH – the network by which big corporations who seek technology collaborate with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups capable of developing solutions – published its first seven Corporate Challenges. The application, specifically for SMEs and start-ups, is now open until Monday 1 March 2021.
PITCCH aims to promote an Open Innovation network where technology centres and other innovation agents act as an intermediary to facilitate the establishment of structured collaborations between big corporations (as technology seekers) and SMEs and Start-ups (as technology providers).
Together with big corporations, seven challenges have been posted. SMEs and Start-ups are invited to propose a solution based on advanced technologies. The collaborative project will have a duration of six months. The selected SME or start-up per challenge will receive €25 000 for the implementation of innovation activities related to the collaborative project and up to forty hours of free consultancy services from the PITCCH consortium. A preview of the challenges is available on the PITCCH website.
The challenges are:
- APTIV, Eye See Glasses – Remote Support, Digital technologies
- EFACEC, Smart Digital Transformer Management Solution, Digital technologies/Micro&Nano-electronics
- P&G, Plastic-free recyclable packaging liquid, Advanced Materials/Nanotechnology
- REPSOL, Bio-indole for gasoline octane booster, Industrial Biotechnology
- SAINT-GOBAIN, Tile Grout as a ceramic, Advanced Materials
- SIEMENS ENERGY, Climate-friendly process steam supply, Energy technologies
- SPIE, Odyssee: Open Data systems for the building environment, Digital Technologies
For access to the full Challenges description and to respond to a Challenge, an SME or Start-up should register on the PITCCH Open Innovation Platform. For more information, rules and conditions, see the PITCCH website.
The Advanced Technology for Industry (ATI) has been set up to promote the creation of a competitive European industry. By monitoring technological trends and up-to-date data on advanced technologies, the project aims to support the implementation of policies and initiatives. For more information, read more about the ATI project.