The GAEA Challenge continued its European journey with the Hungary Regional Innovation Competition, held online via MS Teams. Twenty-four participants, organized into eight teams, presented their innovative ideas during a high-energy pitching session. Each team competed for a place in the upcoming Interregional Innovation Competition, demonstrating creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive.
The event highlighted the strength of Hungary’s regional talent and the country’s growing focus on sustainable innovation. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in addressing real-world environmental challenges.
Expert Jury Panel
The distinguished jury for the Hungarian competition included:
- Vasilis Athanasiadis, Business Creation & Strategy Manager at Mantis Beyond Innovation
- Haris Stamatopoulos, Innovation and Strategic Collaboration Lead at Uppsala University and Director of Sustainability InnoCenter
- Annamária Virág, Sustainability Consultant at Schneider Electric
After a round of pitches and Q&A, the jury carefully selected the winning teams.
Winning Teams
The winners of the Hungarian Regional Innovation Competition were:
- 1st place: Robinergy
- 2nd place: Geo-Exploration Eye
- 3rd place: GreenGear Ltd.: Sensors-to-Mine Solutions
These teams impressed the jury with their innovative approaches, feasibility, and potential impact on sustainability.
Hungary’s Innovation Ecosystem
Hungary has a vibrant and emerging start-up ecosystem, particularly in green technologies and environmental solutions. Universities, research centers, and start-ups across the country are driving innovation in renewable energy, smart sensors, and resource management.
Moreover, competitions like the GAEA Challenge help connect Hungarian innovators with European networks, offering opportunities for mentorship, knowledge exchange, and growth. The event showcased how local talent can contribute to European sustainable development goals.
Next Steps: Interregional Innovation Competition
The teams from Hungary will now advance to Phase 2 – the Interregional Innovation Competition. Here, they will compete with top ideas from other European countries. This stage fosters collaboration, allows teams to refine their solutions, and encourages cross-border innovation.
Why the GAEA Challenge Matters
The GAEA Challenge is more than a competition. It is a platform for innovators across Europe to tackle urgent challenges in natural resource management and green technology. By connecting local talent with European networks, the program empowers teams to create impactful and sustainable solutions for both their regions and the continent.
