15 May 2025

Watts Up? - A call for projects looking for innovative energy solutions

EnovArk, in collaboration with The Ark Foundation and OIKEN, is launching its first call for projects Watts Up?. The aim of this initiative, open to the international community, is to develop and support innovative solutions capable of responding to concrete challenges related to energy networks. The winning solution will benefit from a testing ground, personalised support and CHF 10,000 in cash funding.

Open to the international community, Watts Up? is aimed at all companies, start-ups, institutions and project owners wishing to propose innovative solutions to answer the challenges of energy networks. On Watt’s Up? you can discover the various concrete challenges launched by the partners of the initiative, CIMO, Romande Energie, Genedis, Sinergy, EnBAG and OIKEN, who are looking for innovative solutions. The proposed solutions should be deployed in collaboration with the sponsor of the challenge, and with the aim of ensuring their development, implementation and longevity. The winner will receive a prize whose total value amounts CHF 20,000. This includes CHF 10,000 in cash, strategic support from EnovArk of an equivalent amounts, and the provision of test facilities by the challenge sponsor.

The challenges facing energy networks

In a context of transition, energy networks play a central role in the sustainability of our regions. The rise of renewable energies, the need to reduce energy losses, the requirement to optimise distribution and consumption, and the anticipation of failures through predictive approaches are all major challenges that need to be addressed. Watts Up? is part of this global dynamic, bringing together industrial players, energy companies, innovators and start-ups with a common objective: to co-construct concrete, innovative solutions capable of making networks smarter, more resilient and more efficient. This edition proposes 8 concrete challenges, led by key partners in the sector, covering all the critical issues related to energy networks. The aim of this call for projects is to bring out relevant solutions that respond directly to the needs on the ground and have a real impact.

Submit your application

Applications are open from now until 10 September 2025. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to provide a concrete response to the challenges of energy networks and to benefit from financial and strategic support for your innovative projects.

To find out more or to submit a project: www.enovark.ch/watts-up