Rethink Cities Innovation Awards
The Rethink Cities Innovation Award, hosted in Sønderborg, supports pioneering net zero initiatives on their growth journey by connecting them with strategic public and private entities.
Specifications
Objectives
The Rethink Cities Innovation Awards is dedicated to spotlighting and supporting startups that are pioneering the future of urban living. Focused on net zero, renewable energy, and innovative public-private partnerships, this award aims to accelerate the deployment of scalable solutions that can transform cities into models of sustainability and resilience.
The Awards will will be in the following categories:
- Energy Efficiency
- Renewables
- Public-Private Partnership
Award Benefits:
Opportunity to present your solution at the Rethink Cities Summit, in front of 120+ carefully selected public officials, corporate leaders, and investors leading the energy efficiency transition.
Access to mentorship from Jury members, encompassing industry leaders and policymakers, to refine and scale your solution.
Exclusive invitations to networking events from Rethink Cities ecosystem, offering connections with potential partners and investors.
Coverage in Rethink Cities media and publications, elevating your startup’s profile within the industry.
For any questions, reach out to the email
Categories
Initiatives that are at the forefront of urban energy efficiency, developing innovative solutions that significantly reduce energy consumption in cities.
From smart grid technologies to advanced energy-saving systems in buildings, this award seeks to recognize those who are pushing the boundaries of how cities consume and manage energy.
Application Criteria
Innovation:
Startups, SMEs or Initiatives must demonstrate a unique and innovative approach to energy efficiency, particularly in urban settings.
Impact:
Solutions should have a measurable impact on reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints within urban infrastructures.
Scalability:
The technology or solution must be scalable, with the potential for widespread adoption across various cities.
Feasibility:
Startups, SMEs or Initiatives should show evidence of practical application or successful pilot projects.
Examples
- A startup developing an AI-powered system that optimizes energy usage in commercial buildings.
- A company producing high-performance insulation materials that significantly reduce heating and cooling needs.
- An innovative HVAC system that uses renewable energy sources to maximize efficiency.
Initiatives that are leading the way in renewable energy technologies, particularly those that are making a significant impact in urban areas. Whether it’s pioneering new methods of generating renewable energy or integrating renewables into city infrastructures, this award recognizes those who are driving the clean energy revolution.
Application Criteria
Innovation:
Startups, SMEs or Initiatives must present a cutting-edge renewable energy technology or system that is particularly suited to urban environments.
Impact:
Solutions should demonstrate significant potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase the adoption of renewable energy in cities.
Scalability:
The renewable energy solution must be scalable, with the potential to be deployed in various urban contexts.
Sustainability:
The technology should contribute to long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Examples
- A startup offering modular solar power systems that can be easily installed in urban areas.
- A company developing affordable electric vehicle charging infrastructure for cities.
- An innovative waste-to-energy technology that can be scaled to various municipal settings.
This award recognizes initiatives that have successfully developed and leveraged public-private partnerships specifically aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions in urban environments. The focus is on collaborations that address critical urban challenges, such as reducing carbon footprints, enhancing sustainability, and deploying scalable clean energy solutions through joint efforts between the public and private sectors.
Application Criteria
Collaboration Intent:
Startups, SMEs or Initiatives should demonstrate a strong intention or early-stage efforts to establish public-private partnerships aimed at achieving net zero goals.
Potential Impact:
Startups, SMEs or Initiatives should present a clear vision and plan for how their collaboration could lead to significant progress in reducing carbon emissions or improving urban sustainability, even if the partnership is still in the planning or pilot phase.
Innovation:
Startups, SMEs or Initiatives should introduce novel approaches or ideas that have the potential to drive public-private collaborations towards net zero, even if they are not yet fully implemented.
Scalability Vision:
Startups, SMEs or Initiatives should articulate how their proposed partnership model could be scaled and adapted to other urban contexts, showcasing the broader potential of their approach.
Examples
- A startup working with a city council to implement a smart waste management system.
- A company partnering with a public transit authority to deploy an electric bus fleet.
- An urban farming initiative developed in collaboration with local government to enhance food security and sustainability.
Timeline
Criteria and Requirements
Requirements for Applicants:
- Must be a Project, Startup or SME
- Applications must be received by October 15, 2024
- Attendance at the Awards event on November 18, 2024 in Sønderborg and the Summit on March 26-27, 2025 is recommended for Winners of each Category
Criteria for Applications:
- Proposals must address the Categories of the Awards
- Solution should be applicable to urban environments
- Clear potential for scalability and replication in multiple cities or regions.
- Proposed technology must meet current local regulations, laws, and/or rules
- Include relevant experience, expertise, partnerships, and/or performance track record
For any questions, reach out to the email
Important Links
Awards Website
rethinkcities.co/innovation-awards
Application Form
impactthefuture.fillout.com/rtcinnovationawardapplicationform
