Collaborating to innovate
The Startup Challenge annual event provides winning startups the chance to enter a 6-month collaboration with ABB, featuring startup-friendly IP terms, financing, support and the opportunity to pilot the co-developed solution at an ABB customer site.
Choose your Challenge
Electrification Service
Decarbonization planning tools for industrial facilities and processes: Create robust planning tools to support industrial customers cut Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions without compromising production or capital discipline.
Distribution Solutions
Next generation circuit breaker: Rethink how switching devices can operate in a smarter and more precise way, using advanced materials and new actuation technologies.
Smart Buildings
Home solution deployment tool for electrical installers: Revolutionize how smart home solutions are deployed — making installation faster, simpler, and smarter for electrical installers worldwide.
Smart Power
Automated Digital Twin creation of DC grid assets for HIL simulation: Build reliable simulation models for converters and circuit breakers that can be easily integrated into HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) environments to simplify stability analysis and protection strategies while reducing development time and costs.
Motion Drive Products
Fast and easy system integration of ABB drives and PLCs: Optimize engineering and commissioning time for our customers and partners through virtual, AI-enabled platform.
Motion High Power
AI & digital solutions for electrical motor drive systems: Leverage ABB’s motors, drives, and digital ecosystem to develop AI, analytics, and optimization-driven solutions that enhance commissioning, monitoring, and performance, helping increase motor-drive adoption, save energy, and reduce GHG emissions.
the challenge journey
Apply by February 4 to join the Startup Challenge.
Selected startups will compete in a 10-day online event, pitching proof-of-concept solutions. 3 startups per track will advance to the final event in Bilbao, Spain, to ABB executives—opening the door to new business opportunities. From there, one startup from each track will advance to development and collaboration, exploring joint go-to-market strategies and growth.
4 FEBRUARY Apply Now, 16 MARCH 10-day Challenge , 27 MARCH Finalists Chosen, 15 – 16 APRIL Grand Finale, MAY – OCTOBER Collaboration, Q4 2026 Go-to-Market
The Winner’s Package: Exclusive opportunities for Startup Challenge winners
ABB Collaboration
ABB offers up to $30,000 in collaboration funding to co-develop an MVP, along with a pilot customer test case to validate the solution in real-world conditions. Participants gain access to ABB’s shared lab environments for hands-on testing and customer feedback, as well as direct engagement with ABB experts and business teams, helping to accelerate development and adoption.
SynerLeap Membership
The SynerLeap Membership accelerates your innovation journey through a six-month program with a value of $10,000. It provides exclusive connections to ABB organizations, partners, and startups, along with personalized guidance to help you navigate ABB and engage with leading experts. Members also gain opportunities for pilot projects and proof-of-concepts funded by ABB’s R&D and business teams, as well as access to partner events and workshops.
Microsoft
The Startups Program empowers your startup with guidance and insights, offering up to $150,000 in Azure credits, access to Azure AI services and OpenAI credits, and one-on-one sessions with Microsoft experts. Participants also benefit from networking opportunities with Microsoft representatives in their field. Participation is subject to eligibility and is not required to join the Challenge.
Energy Tech Summit
Europe’s largest climate tech conference, taking place April 15–16, 2026, in Bilbao, Spain, offers complimentary tickets to the event, direct access to leading innovators, ideas, and technologies shaping climate solutions, and exclusive access to the ABB booth to showcase your startup on a global stage. Participants also have opportunities to connect with potential customers, partners, and investors.
startup WINNERS
Winning the challenge got us instant credibility not only with clients but with inventors and the entire energy ecosystem.
Behdad Bahrami, CEO, Edgecom Energy, Canada
We started off with a 3-month pilot that went very well. We transitioned to production and that’s been going great, and a year later, ABB decided to invest as part of our Series B investment round.
Mischa Schirris, Head of Partnerships, Mavenoid, Sweden
What stood out most was the professionalism and energy throughout the program as well as ABB’s clear commitment to collaboration and innovation. It was a well-executed experience from start to finish and the unique location adds to the experience.
Gabriel Batstone, CEO & Co-Founder, Contextere, Blue Collar AI®, Canada
ABB Startup Challenge Partners
The Startup Challenge is ABB’s flagship innovation event, designed to identify and collaborate with top startups who can help close key technology or process gaps in our portfolio. Through a proven, non-equity partnership model, we offer startups a structured framework for co-creation, powered by ABB funding, industry expertise, and deep technical know-how.
SynerLeap
Optional SynerLeap memberships are awarded to the winning startups, giving them the opportunity to engage with the broader ABB organization beyond the challenge team. This includes access to business development support and opportunities to scale their solutions across ABB.
Microsoft
Winning startups receive one-on-one sessions with Microsoft experts and the chance to connect with representatives in their field. They also gain access to the programs and benefits offered through Microsoft for Startups.