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Transform Green Tech. Scale in Essen.

Scale your GreenTech solution in Europe’s energy hub! Essen, in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr region, offers unmatched access to industry, infrastructure, and partners—perfect for growth and market entry.

EWG’s Market Entry Program (EWG - Essen Economic Development Agency) supports you with mentoring, networking, funding (up to 10,000 €), and hands-on guidance. Whether your innovation is in hydrogen, energy security, industrial decarbonization, resource efficiency, water management, or environmental protection, the GreenTech Scale-up Challenge welcomes solutions driving a sustainable future.

Who can take part?

We are looking for GreenTech Scale-ups with innovative solutions across all sub-sectors—hydrogen, clean energy, industrial decarbonization, resource efficiency, water management, and environmental protection technologies. If you are actively expanding into new markets and open to establishing operations in Essen, this is your chance to join a thriving ecosystem, gain access to industry leaders, funding opportunities, and the support of EWG’s Market Entry Program.

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Application Phase 

To participate, Scale-ups submit two elements via the ekipa platform:

1. Fixed Questions (online form)

After joining the challenge, applicants complete a short set of mandatory questions.

2. Pitch Deck (PDF upload)

Applicants upload a concise pitch deck providing additional depth.

The deck may include:

  • product overview & key features
  • architecture / technical setup
  • reference customers or pilots
  • expected benefits and value contribution
  • commercial model

Join our Info Session together with EWG to learn more about the Market Entry Program:

  • 18. February, 15:00 – 16:00 (CET)
  • 19. February, 09:00 – 10:00 (CET)
  • 18. March, 15:00 – 16:00 (CET)
  • 19. March, 09:00 – 10:00 (CET)
  • 15. April, 15:00 – 16:00 (CEST)
  • 16. April, 09:00 – 10:00 (CEST)

Register for the session here: Info Session

Get-2-Know Interviews

After sending your application, EWG will review it and select teams to get to know in a virtual meeting. In this 30-minute call both parties can ask questions to assess the fit for the Market Entry Program.

The interviews will take place on the following days:

  • 25. February, 15:00 - 16:30 (CET)
  • 26. February, 09:00 - 10:30 (CET)
  • 11. March, 15:00 - 16:30 (CET)
  • 12. March, 09:00 - 10:30 (CET)
  • 25. March, 15:00 - 16:30 (CET)
  • 26. March, 09:00 - 10:30 (CET)
  • 08. April, 15:00 - 16:30 (CEST)
  • 08. April, 09:00 - 10:30 (CEST)

Collaboration Kickoffs

Each Scale-up will participate in a virtual workshop with EWG to

  • explore the potential for establishing an office in Essen.
  • discuss available support from EWG, including funding opportunities, networking access, and consultation.

Collaboration Kickoffs will start 1-2 weeks after the Get-2-Know Interviews and will be scheduled individually.

Market Entry Program

Greentech Scale-ups will engage in deeper discussions with EWG to identify tailored support for entering the German market, including:

  • Joint market-entry strategy check focused on energy, sustainability, and industrial customer segments
  • Guidance on regulatory frameworks and standards relevant to GreenTech (e.g. energy regulation, infrastructure, permitting, compliance)
  • B2B matchmaking with utilities, industrial players, municipalities, and GreenTech ecosystem partners in Essen and the Ruhr area
  • Advisory on public funding, subsidies, and grants, including eligibility for the NRW welcome package (up to €10,000)
  • Relocation and setup support, including office or lab space, co-working options, and administrative processes
  • Access to corporate partners, pilot customers, and test environments within Essen’s energy and Greentech ecosystem
  • Introduction to investors and strategic partners active in climate, energy, and industrial technologies
  • Ongoing hands-on support from EWG to accelerate operational setup, first pilots, and commercial traction

Digital Networking Event: June, 03.2026

All Scale-ups participating in the Market Entry Program as well as Essens ecosystem partners will be invited for a digital Networking Event to connect and share experiences.