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.

#EssenGreenTech #GreenTechInnovation #SustainableEnerg#IndustrialDecarbonization #ResourceEfficiency #WaterTech #EnvironmentalTech #FutureOfEnergy #ScaleUpSuccess

🏆 Prize
Access to funding, local corporates, public stakeholders – opportunity to scale and expand into the European market from Essen.
🕑 Deadline
Aug 31, 2026, 9:59 PM
🌎 Scope
global
❓Questions
Feel free to join ekipa's Q&A Calls
👤Info Session: Market Entry Program
Speak directly to EWG in a call

Who is EWG?

About EWG – Essener Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH

EWG – Essener Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH is the economic development agency of the city of Essen, dedicated to fostering business growth, innovation, and international investment. Serving as the central point of contact for companies seeking to establish or scale operations, EWG provides tailored support, strategic funding guidance, and valuable market insights to empower businesses in the region.

As a key driver in Europe’s energy transition, EWG actively supports companies and Scale-ups in the GreenTech and hydrogen sectors. From large corporates to emerging ventures, Essen’s dynamic ecosystem features global players like E.ON, RWE, Thyssen Krupp and Evonik, strong research institutions such as the University of Duisburg-Essen, and pioneering hubs like H2UB. This vibrant network offers a wealth of collaboration opportunities that fuel cutting-edge developments in decarbonization, digital energy solutions, and resource efficiency.

Through its specialized market entry programs—including the HyTechCheck Program—EWG streamlines the process of navigating regulations, securing partnerships, and accessing essential infrastructure. By leveraging EWG’s expertise and robust regional networks, businesses can confidently expand in Essen, benefitting from a city committed to shaping the future of sustainable energy.

Who is the target group for participation?

We are seeking GreenTech Scale-ups with innovative solutions along the energy supply chain that are looking to expand their footprint and explore opportunities for a local presence in Essen as part of their market entry or growth strategy.

How to create an account on our platform and how to set it up?

Check out our tutorial: Get started!

How to participate in the challenge and submit my idea?

Check out our tutorial: Join a Challenge!

What happens after the first deadline?

After the end of the deadline, the submissions will be reviewed by EWG. The Scale-ups will be selected and invited to a get to know interview. We will inform you via mail. Check the timeline.

We've structured our process into two comprehensive phases. These phases are designed to give you the opportunites and support offered by EWG — from funding to local networking — to help you enter the German market and possibly open a presence in Essen

Is my participation binding?

Your participation is not binding until you submit the application. Once you have uploaded your application and you want to take part, please consider the timeline and be aware that you should be able to participate in every further step.

Do you have any questions or uncertainties?

Get in contact with us!

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

If you want to talk to someone from the ekipa team about your approaches, you need more information or if questions arise, just join one of our Q&A calls every Tuesday from 11:00am-11:30am, Wednesday from 15:00 to 15:30 and Thursday from 4:00pm-4:30pm. It is a group call and you also get the chance to meet other innovators!
Simply register here