One-liner: the startup↔corporate open-innovation matching program (run by AVAESEN) that connects cleantech/energy startups with corporates and utilities to run pilots and solve real challenges. The market-access engine of the cleantech cluster.
What you get
- Corporate-challenge matching — corporates/utilities post real challenges; startups are matched to pilot their solution (a paid pilot / commercial route, not a grant).
- Market access & visibility to the energy/cleantech industry and the AVAESEN network; potential first customers.
- Connection to the wider AVAESEN toolkit — AVAESEN LLAMP 3i acceleration, green investors, the Cleantech Financing Observatory.
Who it's for
- Cleantech, energy, smart-city and sustainability startups with a deployable solution seeking corporate pilots and first commercial deals.
How to engage
- Contact AVAESEN / CleanConnect (avaesen.es) and register for the matching program / challenge calls (recurring —
#status/verify). - Respond to a posted corporate challenge; if matched, scope and run the pilot.
- Combine with AVAESEN LLAMP 3i (acceleration) and the Valencia Urban Sandbox / CPI - Compra Publica Innovadora for public-sector pilots.
Key facts
- Free startup↔corporate matching for pilots in cleantech/energy. Market-access first — the differentiated non-financial value.
- No confirmed edition since 2023 (checked 2026-07-05) — the 2nd edition ran in 2022 (4 corporates, 5 startups, 7 challenges), and a 2023 edition ran at least one challenge via Opentop's blog ("CO2 absorption in ports"). Still listed as a live initiative on greenovators.es but with no open call found. Treat as dormant/recurring rather than currently actionable until a new call surfaces.
Relations
- Run by: AVAESEN
- See also: AVAESEN LLAMP 3i
- See also: CPI - Compra Publica Innovadora
- See also: Cleantech (niche)
- See also: Opentop