Discover the challenges

Want to scale up your startup into a thriving business?

We unlock the full potential of deep-tech startups by connecting them with investors and corporations across Europe.

Startup-Corporate Collaboration / Challenges

The Startup-Corporate Collaboration begins with a set of challenges presented by corporations, followed by a call for startups developing disruptive technologies that could provide solutions to address these challenges. We evaluate the best proposals and connect both startups and corporations with each other.

The benefits startups will gain:

  • Top-notch mentoring to develop your financial skills and unlock your full fundraising potential.
  • Online support from local mentors and workshops led by some of the big names in the international deep-tech scene
  • Have the chance to pitch your project to top investors, business angels and venture capitalists.
  • Get support from corporates to scale up.
  • Become part of an international network of fellow entrepreneurs, corporates, mentors, and investors with whom you can discuss partnership opportunities.
  • Gain insights about the latest market and innovation trends.

Create new market opportunities and help shape the deep tech startup ecosystem.

Selection Criteria:

Startups interested in applying should meet the following criteria:

  • Focus on Deep Tech: We are looking for startups, university spin-offs, and research teams working in deep tech, developing innovative, technology-driven solutions that push technological boundaries.
  • Strong Core Team: Your team must have expertise in key areas such as marketing, technology, and leadership. A strong team is essential to not only develop your idea but also carry it through to successful implementation.
  • Addressing Real Market Problems: The solution should address a real market need or challenge that can be solved through complex, technology-based innovation. We want to see how your product or service meets actual demand and solves significant problems.
  • Eligibility for Applications: We welcome applications from deep tech startups, university spin-offs, and research teams of scientists who are pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.
  • Geographic Focus: To be eligible, your organization must be based in the European Union, as we are committed to supporting local innovation.
  • Aligning with Market Needs: Your deep tech solution should be closely aligned with specific market challenges and expressed needs, offering a direct and impactful response.

Why should you participate?

  • Potential to Gain a Major Customer: If selected, your solution could be tested by leading companies and institutions, potentially becoming their next innovative solution provider.
  • Valuable Industry Exposure: Your idea will be seen and evaluated by key decision-makers in prominent companies and public institutions, giving you visibility and credibility in the market.
  • Build Strong Industry Connections: Forge relationships with established corporations, opening doors for future collaborations or contracts.
  • Gain References for Your Startup: Even if not chosen as the final solution, you can receive feedback and references that bolster your reputation and future business opportunities.
  • Expert Guidance and Support: Receive advice from atTRACTION experts on planning the testing with challenge providers, legal arrangements, and intellectual property, ensuring a smooth and professional collaboration experience.
  • Enhance Your Problem-Solving Skills: Engage in real-world challenges that sharpen your analytical and creative problem-solving abilities, preparing you for future opportunities.
  • Access to Resources: Benefit from access to tools, resources, and networks that can help you further develop and refine your solution.
  • Potential for Funding Opportunities: Increase your chances of attracting investors who are looking for innovative solutions and talented teams.
  • Contribute to Innovation: Play a key role in driving innovation within your industry by addressing significant challenges faced by leading corporations.

How to Participate:

Step 1: Discover the Challenge

  • Select the challenge you would like to address.
    OUTCOME: Challenge selected by the startup.

Step 2: Apply for the Challenge and Confirm your Application

  • Click the Apply and Solve Challenge button and complete the form until 2024.11.13.
    OUTCOME: Registration form completed and solution submitted.

Step 3: Await Approval

  • On 2024.11.15 receive confirmation from the AtTRACTION team that your solution has been approved.
  • Prepare to present your solution to the challenge owner.
    OUTCOME: Challenge confirmed and solution prepared for the challenge provider.

Step 4: Present Your Solution

  • Meet online on Matchmaking Week with the corporate entity that provided the challenge and present your solution.
    OUTCOME: Solution prepared and presented.

Step 5: Confirmation of Selection

  • On 2024.11.28 Receive confirmation from the AtTRACTION team that your solution has been selected as the winner.
    OUTCOME: Best solution selected and announced for the corporation.

Step 6: Finalize Agreements

  • Sign the NDA with the corporation for which you developed a solution and arrange for pilot testing of the solution.
    OUTCOME: NDA signed and pilot testing scheduled.

Step 7: Conduct Pilot Testing

  • Conduct pilot testing of your idea in collaboration with the corporation that presented the challenge.
    OUTCOME: Pilot testing completed.

Discover the challenges

#1 Hybrid fluid aspiration and delivery device

Challenge provided by: University of Malaga

Suction and fluid delivery device for minimally invasive surgical procedures

​This challenge seeks the industrialisation of the device described in the patent reference ES1270129 belonging to the University of Malaga and the Andalusian Health Service.​

More information:

  • Industrialisation of a device for suction and delivery of fluids covered by the patent ES1270129
  • This challenge involves the design of the mechanics and electronics of the device. It is the mechatronic design in detail, in a way that complies with the regulations on medical devices. It is a 9-month job for one person.
  • The problem is the realisation of an industrial design of a result of a project of the Medical Robotics research group of the University of Malaga (Spain).
  • An agreement would be signed with the participating company for the implementation of the device, including the search for funding and the exploitation of results.

#2 Colored dual purpose low dose exposure indicators

Challenge provided by: Kaunas University of Technology Department of Physics

Color changing low dose exposure identificators for health risks reduction for soldiers in battlefield and prevention of electronic devices malfunctioning.

​​We are looking for chemical compounds that change color when exposed to low doses (mGy range)
  • More information:
    • Soldiers actively participating in military actions are not provided with individual radiation detectors when entering unknown areas of the enhanced radioactivity. Plastic tape type color changing exposure indicators attached to their clothes may prevent individuals from receiving high exposure doses. The same preventive effect for electronic devices can be utilized applying thin film of the same composition as equipment coating.
    • We are working with this type of radiation indicators for several years, however we have not succeeded to produce radiation indicators that are sensitive to low exposure doses (less than 0.5 Gy), that are important for the prevention of individuals and equipment against high dose exposure.
    • Thousands of infantry soldiers are risking their health and lives by entering unknown areas with radiation contamination. While highly equipped military units are able to assess environmental radiation levels and prevent the soldiers from contamination, the common forces are lacking affordable equipment to indicate if the environment is save. Thousands of soldiers are reported to be impacted by radiation contamination in last 10 years. Impacted soldier can no longer proceed on their duties. This costs millions of US dollars for USA and millions of Eur for EU economy annually to replace the assets. By solving this problem we could help not even prevent harm for health, but also save significant expences allocated for state defence.
    • Finding chemical compounds that are changing their color upon low dose exposure and are compatible with polymer matrix will contribute to early identification of radiation contaminated areas and to the development of film/tape type radiation indicators that may help to reduce radiation risk for soldiers. As well it may prolong operation of electronic devices by saving them from contamination. It is expected that developed plastic indicators will be cheap and highly accessible, so the price of chemical compounds will play the major role.

#3 Wastewater blower optimization control challenge

Challenge provided by: UAB „Kauno vandenys“

Develop a mathematical model and control algorithm to optimize blower efficiency in a wastewater treatment plant, ensuring performance across varying air flow and pressure conditions using real data.

  • Solution sought:
    • In the wastewater treatment plant, five different blowers supply air for biological treatment. With the switch to a periodic aeration mode, the operating conditions for the blowers have changed significantly, and the existing algorithm no longer ensures the desired technological parameters, such as a wider air flow range and variable pressure settings. Additionally, the efficiency of the different blowers under varying operating conditions and frequent short-term blower starts is not being considered.
  • More information:
    • Develop a mathematical model and a universal control algorithm for the existing blowers. This will allow the blowers to operate efficiently from the minimum performance of the smallest blower to the maximum performance of all blowers, while maintaining the working point as close as possible to the optimal operating point of the blowers at various air pressures. Test the algorithm using real measurement data.
  • Sector:
    • Data analytics, mathematical modeling, process automation, and optimal management.

#4 Integrated Sewage Flow Management: Preventing Overflows in Pumping Station Networks Challenge

Challenge provided by: UAB „Kauno vandenys“

Sewage pumping stations, essential for urban wastewater management and connected in a chain to transfer sewage to a treatment plant, each equipped with a storage tank, can become overwhelmed during periods of high inflow, such as heavy rainfall, potentially causing flooding and environmental harm.

  • Solution sought:
    • Sewage pumping stations operate in a connected chain to transport sewage to a wastewater treatment plant, with each station equipped with its own storage tank. During periods of heavy rainfall or increased sewage volume, the last stations in the chain can become overwhelmed, leading to potential flooding. To address this issue, an operational algorithm is needed to optimize the management of sewage levels across the stations. This algorithm will focus on preventing overflow by efficiently managing the flow of sewage between stations and utilizing real-time electricity market prices to guide pumping operations. By implementing this algorithm, the goal is to enhance operational efficiency, ensure effective sewage storage management, and minimize the risk of environmental harm.
  • More information:
    • The objective is to develop a synchronized operation algorithm for sewage pumping stations that utilizes data from sewage level sensors in their reservoirs. This algorithm aims to manage the flow of sewage effectively between interconnected stations and networks while ensuring environmental protection and user safety. Currently, each station operates independently, lacking communication with one another, and relies on a program that responds to level data from float and hydrostatic sensors. By implementing this synchronized approach, the new algorithm will enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of pumping operations, ultimately preventing overflow and improving overall sewage management.
  • Sector:
    • Data analytics, mathematical modeling, process automation, and optimal management.

#5 Optimizing Self-Taken Medical Imaging: An Algorithm for Accurate Photo Evaluation and Feedback Challenge

Challenge provided by: Nordclinic (UAB “Artmedica”)

The algorithm seeks to automatically evaluate photos for correct angle and height of the subject by analyzing key body points to ensure optimal alignment for accurate medical diagnostics, while also identifying poor-quality self-taken images and providing feedback to the photographer to enhance photo quality for better diagnostic outcomes.

  • Solution sought:
    • The algorithm is designed to automatically evaluate photos to determine if a person was captured from the front and side at the correct angle and height. By analyzing key body points in the image, the program assesses the positioning of the subject to ensure optimal alignment for accurate diagnostic purposes. This automated assessment aims to enhance the quality of self-taken photos, particularly for medical imaging, by identifying improper angles and heights and providing feedback to the photographer for better results.
  • More information:
    • An image recognition algorithm has been created for medical diagnostic purposes to identify potential diseases or disorders by detecting key body points, such as shoulders, in photos. While the algorithm performs effectively when a trained individual captures the image, self-taken photos often suffer from issues like incorrect body positioning or improper height, which can distort body proportions and hinder accurate analysis. The primary objective is to develop a method for identifying poor-quality photos and their underlying causes, allowing the algorithm to notify the photographer—typically using a mobile phone—about these issues to improve photo quality for better diagnostic outcomes.
  • Sector:
    • Diagnosis, image recognition.

#6 Developing a Mobile App for Real-Time Post-Operative Rehabilitation Monitoring and Personalized Recovery After Joint Replacement Surgeries

Challenge provided by: Nordclinic (UAB “Artmedica”)

The development of a mobile application for post-operative assessment after hip and knee replacement surgeries aims to monitor rehabilitation progress, ensure exercise accuracy through real-time data collection using sensors, and provide personalized recommendations, ultimately reducing labor costs, improving patient outcomes, and facilitating faster recovery.

  • Solution sought:
    • The evaluation of patients’ post-operative conditions following major joint replacement surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, can be enhanced through the use of mobile applications. These apps allow for continuous monitoring of recovery progress, personalized rehabilitation recommendations, and real-time assessments. By automating parts of the evaluation process, mobile apps can significantly reduce labor costs while improving patient outcomes, ensuring better adherence to rehabilitation protocols and facilitating faster recovery.
  • More information:
    • The development of a mobile application aims to assess patients’ rehabilitation progress following hip and knee replacement surgeries, encouraging them to perform prescribed physical therapy exercises while providing personalized recommendations. To ensure effective rehabilitation, the app will monitor exercise accuracy, such as leg bending angles, using real-time data collection through sensors. By offering instant feedback and tailored guidance, the app will help patients improve their exercise performance and achieve faster recovery outcomes.
  • Sector:
    • Rehabilitation.

#7 Development of Mobile Tools for Pre- and Post-Operative Stimulation and Monitoring of Abdominal Wall and Respiratory Muscles to Reduce Complications and Improve Recovery After Open Peritoneal Surgery

Challenge provided by: Nordclinic (UAB “Artmedica”)

Around 20-30% of patients undergoing open peritoneal surgery develop post-operative abdominal wall hernias, which are more common in the elderly and can lead to muscle atrophy, larger hernia sizes, and increased surgical complications, and developing mobile tools to stimulate and monitor abdominal wall and respiratory muscle function pre- and post-operatively would reduce complications, enhance recovery, and improve patients’ quality of life.

  • Solution sought:
    • The aim is to develop tools and applications to improve patients’ abdominal wall and respiratory muscle function before surgery, helping to reduce post-operative complications and accelerate recovery. By providing targeted stimulation and continuous monitoring both pre- and post-operatively, these tools will enhance patient preparation for surgery and support faster return to normal physical activity. Additionally, automating the stimulation process will save human resources and improve the overall quality of life for patients during recovery.
  • More information:
    • Around 20-30% of patients undergoing open peritoneal surgery develop post-operative abdominal wall hernias, which can severely impact daily activities, work ability, and quality of life, particularly in elderly patients who already experience decreased muscle tone. When hernias occur, muscle atrophy at the site further weakens abdominal wall function, leading to larger hernias that require more complex surgeries and increase the risk of complications, as shown in clinical studies. Developing mobile tools and applications to stimulate and monitor abdominal wall and respiratory muscle function could enhance pre- and post-operative care, improving patient recovery, reducing complications, and helping them return to normal activities more quickly.
  • Sector:
    • Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation

#8 Energy storage devices and technologies

Challenge provided by: AB ACHEMA

Energy storage devices and technologies for 0-10MW

We are looking for energy storage devices and technologies for 0-10MW, requiring technologies with the lowest possible losses.
  • More information:
    • Energy storage devices and technologies for 0-10MW, requiring technologies with the lowest possible losses.
    • E.g. electric batteries, electric heaters converting electricity into heat and vice versa.

#9 Solar park generation forecasting tools

Challenge provided by: AB ACHEMA

Solar park generation forcasting tools to balance the electricity system in advance

We are looking for Solar park generation forecasting tools calculating the power generated by the solar park and adjusting the results with 30-15 min forecasts
  • More information:
    • Solar park generation forecasting tools for the next day, 0-10MW, e.g. applying the full radiation forecast from the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service (LHMT), to calculate the power generated by the solar park and adjusting the results with 30-15 min forecasts.
    • Possible measures such as cameras monitoring the sky and reporting changes in solar power generation to balance the electricity system in advance.