Energy efficiency & real-time monitoring
Digital solutions to measure, optimize and report energy consumption in SMEs.
The Challenge
From ideas to deployable solutions
The competition follows an end-to-end support model — from the first concept to pilot deployment with SMEs.
Timeline
Seven steps from concept to winner
A guided journey — from your first concept idea to pitching your solution at the final Hackathon.
- 01Initial concept
Submit a short concept idea through the online platform. Applications focus on the idea and eligibility — no pitch deck required.
- 02Eligibility screening
The eligibility committee reviews the concepts and selects 30 applicants who meet the requirements.
- 03Capacity-building workshops
The 30 selected participants attend workshops with mentoring and business coaching to strengthen their ideas.
- 04Refined proposal
Participants download a standard proposal template (max 10 pages) and upload their refined proposal using the same platform credentials.
- 05Technical evaluation
The evaluation committee reviews the refined proposals and selects five finalists.
- 06Mentoring & pitching
The five finalists are announced and receive dedicated mentoring and coaching to prepare an effective final pitch.
- 07Final Hackathon
Finalists present their solutions to the jury at the final event, where the winning teams are selected.
Challenge areas
Six themes for green digital solutions
Your solution must address at least one of these priority areas.
Waste reduction, recycling & material reuse
Technology to track, sort and route waste back into the production cycle.
Circular economy & industrial symbiosis
Platforms for exchanging materials, by-products and capacity between SMEs.
Water efficiency & resource tracking
Sensors, IoT and analytics for smart water management in industry.
Sustainable logistics & green procurement
Route optimization, load consolidation and green procurement workflows.
Environmental compliance, carbon tracking & sustainability reporting
Software for CO₂ measurement, regulatory reporting and ESG standards for SMEs.
Eligibility
Who can apply — and what qualifies
Applications undergo an initial eligibility screening to ensure compliance with the competition requirements. To be considered eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria.
Eligibility criteria
- The applicant is based in Kosovo (individual residency or legal registration of the entity).
- The proposed solution is digital in nature (e.g. software, mobile application, web platform, AI solution, IoT application, digital service, data-driven tool, or similar digital innovation).
- The proposed idea addresses at least one of the identified green transformation challenges faced by SMEs.
- The application form is complete and all required information has been submitted by the deadline.
- The applicant has submitted only one application under the current competition round.
- The proposed idea is original, owned by the applicant(s), and has not been previously presented, awarded, or submitted in another competition, accelerator, incubator, or public innovation challenge before the launch of this competition.
- The applicant confirms that the proposed idea does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.
Who can participate
The competition is open to a range of applicant types.
Individuals
Based in Kosovo; proposes an original digital green solution idea.
Teams (2–5 members)
Based in Kosovo; with a designated team leader; proposes an original digital green solution idea.
Startups
Registered in Kosovo; proposes an innovative digital green solution at the ideation or early-development stage.
Students (undergraduate or postgraduate)
Enrolled at a higher education institution in Kosovo; any field of study; proposes an original digital green solution idea.
Freelancers / technology professionals
Based in Kosovo; with relevant expertise in digital technologies, sustainability, or innovation; proposes an original digital green solution idea.
Documents
What you need to submit
The initial application is concept-only. Documents are required later, after the capacity-building workshops.
Initial application
Required
Concept idea
Completed online — no documents or pitch deck required at this stage.
After the workshops
Required
Refined proposal
A completed proposal using the standard template (maximum 10 pages), uploaded with the same platform credentials.
Optional
Optional
Supporting materials
A prototype link or other supporting materials may be attached to the refined proposal.
Awards
What the scholarship includes
Beyond recognition, the Challenge invests in the people behind the winning ideas.
Scholarship for the team leader
The leader of each winning team is awarded a scholarship covering three academic years.
Incentives for winning teams
Winning teams receive a cash prize and the opportunity to pilot their solution with Kosovo SMEs.
Certificates of attendance
All participants in the capacity-building workshops receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Reference letters
Members of the winning teams receive reference letters recognising their achievement.
Final scholarship terms, incentives and eligibility conditions will be confirmed before the final event.
Rights & support
Your rights, confidentiality and support
Your ideas stay yours, your information is protected, and you are supported at every stage.
Intellectual property & confidentiality
- You retain full ownership of your idea and any intellectual property in your submission. Taking part does not transfer any rights to the organizers.
- All application materials are treated as confidential and are accessed only by the eligibility committee, the evaluation committee and the jury, who are bound by confidentiality.
- Your submission is used solely to administer and evaluate the competition. Only the names of finalists and winners and a short, non-confidential description of winning solutions may be published for communication and reporting.
- Personal data is processed in line with Kosovo Law No. 06/L-082 on Personal Data Protection and the GDPR.
Applicant support
- The 30 selected applicants receive capacity-building workshops, mentoring and business coaching to strengthen their proposals.
- A standard proposal template and an application toolkit are provided to guide your submission.
- The five finalists receive dedicated mentoring and pitch coaching before the final event.
- You may withdraw your application at any time during the application window using the secure link in your confirmation email.
Timeline
How the competition unfolds
Key dates for Digital Green Innovation Competition 2026.
01
M1
Applications open
10 August 2026
02
M3
Applications close
30 September 2026
03
M7
Hackathon & Demo Day
15 November 2026
Apply now
Do you have a green digital idea?
Apply now for mentoring, technical expertise and a national SME audience.