Your full-service partner for open innovation challenges
Leverage our experience from 50+ successful challenges: whether you need full-service support or a partner for specific steps, we help you access a wider innovation & startup network, add proven structure, and maximize the impact of your open innovation challenge.
Why leading innovators choose us
Proven challenge process
Rely on our structured, field-tested methodology from 50+ challenges to ensure efficient, transparent, and impactful execution every time.
Broad innovators access
Reach innovators & startups worldwide through our scouting, global network and partner ecosystem, including innovation-challenges.com with 1000+ challenges published.
Flexible partnership model
Choose full-service management or modular support - tailored to your internal resources, goals, and the way you want to collaborate.
What's included in our open innovation challenge organization
We provide end-to-end support from search field identification to selecting the finalist(s) and starting the collaboration - so you can focus on innovation strategy, not operations.
Scope of Our Service
ᐅ Joint definition of your search field and challenge goals
ᐅ Full setup, publishing, and promotion of your challenge
ᐅ Proactive innovation scouting and outreach across global ecosystems
ᐅ Process management, communication, and applicant support throughout
What You Receive
✓ A curated list of high-potential innovator applicants
✓ Shortlist and evaluation materials, ready for internal or jury review
✓ Organized pitch sessions or demo days (optional)
✓ Winner selection and structured introduction to partnership or PoC phase
How we organize your open innovation challenge step by step
Challenge definition
Engage key stakeholders from your business divisions to define search fields and share real pain points.
Innovation scouting
Identify and shortlist relevant innovators & startups (in contrast to a startup challenge this also includes e.g. innovative established companies, research institutions, universities, innovation hubs & specialized consultancies) using our global partner network, personal network and data-driven tools.
Outreach & promotion
Promote your challenge and proactively reach out to multipliers to attract high-potential applicants.
Evaluation & pitch
Facilitate transparent review and pitch sessions to select the most promising partners.
PoC or pilot projects
Support you and the selected innovators in launching impactful PoC or pilot projects for real innovation results.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a meeting to discuss your startup challenge!
Your value from an innovation challenge
An innovation challenge is a strategic tool to accelerate your innovation agenda and position your company as a leader in your ecosystem:
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Uncover unexpected solutions
By sharing your search fields and actively scouting, you reach a wider range of innovators & startups – including those with fresh, unexpected solutions. -
Secure stakeholder buy-in
Involving business units in defining the challenge ensures strategic alignment and drives real commitment to implementing new solutions. -
Grow your partnership pipeline
Open calls make you visible to innovators beyond your existing network, setting the stage for ongoing partnership opportunities even after the challenge ends. -
Build your innovation brand
Publishing your challenge demonstrates openness and leadership in innovation, raising your company’s profile with stakeholders, partners, and customers. -
Foster a culture of learning
Engaging with innovators & startups brings new ideas and technologies, strengthening your team’s skills and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Choose your open innovation challenge package
Basic Challenge
For first-time or focused challenges25,000
- Quick setup and clear challenge framing
- Outreach to a targeted pool of innovators
- Ready-to-review shortlist of top applicants
Standard Challenge
For teams seeking broader reach and process support50,000
- End-to-end project coordination and communication
- Multi-channel promotion to maximize applications
- Guided evaluation and recommendations for next step
Custom Challenge
For organizations with individual requirements.- Fully customized challenge concept and process
- Individual services and deliverables to fit your needs
- Personal consultation and dedicated project support
Satisfied Customers
Lora Ivanova
Innovation Manager
“Working with Ambivation was a seamless and rewarding experience. From the outset, the team demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism, making the entire process of our innovation challenge run effortlessly. They have an impressive network of industry connections, which helped us engage with the right partners and ensure high-quality participation. Ambivation was efficient and pleasant at every stage, from helping us define the challenge to managing applicants and keeping everything on track. Communication was always clear and prompt, which made the collaboration incredibly smooth. We were thoroughly impressed with how well they managed the project and exceeded our expectations. Their support played a key role in the overall success of the innovation challenge. I recommend Ambivation to anyone looking for a reliable, highly competent and efficient innovation challenge partner.”
Product: Open Innovation Challenge
Case study: Open Innovation Challenge for Elia Group
Sven Siering
Head of Digital Innovation Unit
“The Startup Tour with Ambivation was a great success and everything was very well organized on site. Our CEO Kai Ostermann found the day very successful and exciting, too. The 16 startups that Ambivation scoutet for us were all suitable and we found it very difficult to make a final selection. Whether collaborations with the startups will develop will be seen next year. I would definitely do a startup matchmaking tour of this kind again.”
Product: Startup Tour & Startup Scouting
Case study: Startup Tour & Scouting for Deutsche Leasing
Stephanie Simon
Project Manager Trade Fairs VDW - German Machine Tool Builders' Association
“At a trade fair, especially at EMO Hannover, start-ups have the opportunity to come into direct contact with over 2000 exhibitors who could become potential partners. In the industrial scene in particular, the trade fair is an ideal platform as you can network directly with established companies. However, some young companies still find this networking difficult and it is all the more valuable if you create sophisticated matchmaking offers like we do – implemented by Ambivation. This is because we can create a simple and fast exchange between new founders and interested investors, but also with established companies. This offers our visitors and regular exhibitors great added value, as they find exactly the new solutions from startups that they were looking for – but might not have found without the support of Ambivation.”
Product: Startup Matchmaking Format (Exhibition)
Case study: Startup Matchmaking at EMO Hannover
Dr. Simone Planinsek
Head of Project/Innovation Management
“You can expect small, fast and flexible solutions from startups. This is a fresh cell cure for companies. Ambivation helped us to find the most suitable contacts from the large number of local and international startups. This allowed us to concentrate on the content discussions and, with Ambivation’s support, initiate the cooperation.”
Product: Startup Scouting
Case study: Startup Scouting for Nassauische Heimstätte
Dr. Jazek Zawisza
CEO and Founder at Kamioni
“I was impressed by the quality of the participants that Ambivation invited to our first meeting. Great.”
Product: Innovation Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How many innovator applications can I expect from a challenge?
We typically generate 100+ qualified applications per challenge, depending on the topic and market size. Our proactive outreach and marketing approach ensures strong participation from relevant innovators & startups in your focus area. We align on the goals of our customers, while in general we focus on quality, less on quantity.
How long does a complete innovation challenge take?
A full challenge runs approximately 6 months from initial planning to winner selection. This includes 2 months for setup and launch, 2-3 months for application period and outreach, and 1 month for evaluation and winner selection.
What's the difference between a innovation challenge and innovation scouting?
Innovation scouting is private research where we find innovators & startups for you. An innovation challenge is a public competition where startups compete to work with you. Challenges generate broader market visibility and attract motivated partners.
Do I need to be ready for public innovation engagement?
Yes, challenges require public commitment to innovation and readiness to engage with multiple startups. We recommend having clear plans for winner follow-up and partnership development before launching a challenge.
Can you handle the entire challenge or just specific parts?
We offer both full-service challenge management and individual modules. You can engage us for complete end-to-end execution or specific elements like innovation scouting, marketing, or application management.
What happens after we select challenge winners?
We support partnership negotiations, pilot project setup, and ongoing collaboration development. Many companies use challenge winners for PoC projects, strategic partnerships, or investment opportunities.