SolarHub IGNITION 2026
Open Acceleration Programme for Solar Energy Innovators
SolarHub IGNITION 2026 is the final edition of the SolarHub Acceleration Programme, supporting early-stage innovators working on solar energy solutions across Europe. The programme is part of the Horizon Europe SolarHub project, which connects solar innovation ecosystems in Greece and Türkiye and contributes to advancing the European Green Deal.
IGNITION 2026 welcomes students, researchers, startups, SMEs, and independent innovators who are developing ideas related to solar energy technologies, applications, and business models. Participants do not need a company, a prototype, or a detailed business plan to apply, a motivated team and a promising idea are enough.
Selected teams will gain access to the SolarHub ecosystem and benefit from training modules, coaching sessions, technical mentoring from solar energy experts, and networking opportunities with researchers, companies, and investors across Europe. Throughout the programme, teams will develop their ideas and prepare a pitch presentation showcasing their solution and its potential impact.
The best teams will be invited to present their work at the SolarHub Final Online Pitching Event and the SolarHub Final Conference in 2026, gaining visibility among industry stakeholders, investors, and the wider European solar innovation community.
Applications are open to teams from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries
Programme Tracks
SolarHub IGNITION 2026 offers two participation tracks. Applicants may apply to one or both tracks depending on their idea.
Track A — Open Innovation
In this track, teams can apply with their own solar energy idea.
Your idea may involve:
- a new technology
- a digital solution
- a solar energy application
- a business model or service
- an improvement to an existing solar system
Any idea related to solar energy, distribution, storage, digitalisation or applications of solar technologies is welcome.
There is no predefined challenge in this track. Teams are free to propose their own concept.
Track B — Challenge Response
In this track, teams develop solutions addressing real industrial or research challenges defined by SolarHub consortium partners.
These challenges reflect real problems faced by organisations working in solar energy technologies and deployment.
Examples of challenge areas include:
- solar manufacturing optimisation
- digital tools for agrivoltaics
- solar heat integration in industrial processes
- smart control systems for solar thermal technologies
- grid integration of solar energy systems
Teams may choose to address one or more challenges as part of their application.
Why join IGNITION 2026?
Participants will receive:
A curated library of on-demand training content, accessible throughout the programme. Topics include:
- Business Foundations for Solar Energy Startups
- Market Analysis and Strategy
- Business Model Development
- Financial Planning and Management
- Pitching and Communication Skills
- ESG and Sustainability in Solar Energy
- Technical modules on solar energy technologies (content defined by technical partners)
Access is self-paced. Teams are encouraged to complete a minimum of 2 modules. The Training Academy remains accessible for the duration of the programme.
Coaching and Mentoring
Every selected team is entitled to:
- At least 1 coaching session (minimum 1.5 hours) with a SolarHub business coach (mandatory).
- Up to 3 hours total of business coaching, available on request.
- Up to 3 hours of technical mentoring with solar energy subject matter experts, available on request
All sessions are held online (video call). Teams book sessions through the programme coordinator after onboarding.
| Applicant Type | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Student teams1 | Minimum 2 members; must include at least one researcher or faculty supervisor |
| Research teams | Affiliated with a recognised university or research institution; minimum 2 members |
| Individual innovators / entrepreneurs | Must apply as a team of at least 2 people |
| Startups | Any stage of development; legal entity not required |
| SMEs | Fewer than 250 employees; working on solar energy |
Geographic eligibility
Teams must be based in any EU Member State or country associated with the Horizon Europe programme.
