INDEX
- 01. What is Smart Open Lisboa
- 02.What is SOL Tomorrow?
- 03. In which stage should startups be in order to apply?
- 04. In what language will the program be conducted?
- 05. Where and when will the program take place?
- 06. Who needs to attend?
- 07. Do you take equity of the participating startups?
- 08. Will you be investing in startups?
- 09. If my startup is selected, what are the next steps?
- 10. Can I participate in both Online Pitch events or both Collaboration Design Sprint events?
- 11. What’s the difference between the first and second wave of applications?
- 12. What are the selection criteria?
- 13. What does my Startup have to gain specifically from this program?
- 14. Can I apply with more than one project/startup?
- 15. Can I end up implementing my startup solution with different partners?
- 16. Is there a budget set aside for the pilot(s)?
What is Smart Open Lisboa?
SOL is the city’s flagship program focused on the validation and integration of innovative solutions made to upgrade Lisbon city life by connecting startups, corporates and public institutions with the main goal of tackling smart cities’ challenges, around different industry verticals. This vertical is called SOL Tomorrow.
What is SOL Tomorrow?
SOL Tomorrow is an Open Innovation program focusing on the recovery of the city of Lisbon by seeking to implement startup solutions to challenges brought by the COVID-19 crisis. SOL Tomorrow is a multi partner program that will connect various important participants.
In which stage should startups be in order to apply?
We’re looking mostly for mature startups with solutions already tested, to be able implement their solutions as quickly as possible. The focus is on social impact and technologies applied to social and economic issues. The program is also open to ideas or early stage startups.
In what language will the program be conducted?
All communications and materials will be in English.
Where and when will the program take place?
SOL Tomorrow is a fully digital program that will not require physical presence, however, physical presence might be needed in the implementation phase. This is a case by case situation that will depend on the nature of the solution implementation.
Who needs to attend?
For the Online Pitch, one person will be required to pitch the startup and solution. it is important to have a team member that can address all questions from the jury members of the partners.
For the Collaboration, we advise at least two team members of your startup, one business-oriented and another more tech-oriented to be able to cover all types of conversations in the 1-on-1 sessions with the partners.
Do you take equity of the participating startups?
SOL Tomorrow is an implementation-focused program that has the purpose of fostering collaboration between startups and corporates, therefore no equity is taken nor there’s any monetary prize involved.
Will you be investing in startups?
The program is not investment-focused but given that the startups are selected to collaborate with the partners, investment opportunities might arise.
If my startup is selected, what are the next steps?
If your startup is pre-selected after the online applications (F6S), you’ll be invited to the Online Pitch (among 12-15 startups per event). Afterwards, a top 8-12 will be selected to take part in the Collaboration Design Sprint and the startups with the best fit with the partners will move forward to the Implementation Phase.
Can I participate in both Online Pitch events or both Collaboration Design Sprint events?
No. Each selected startup will be invited to participate in the respective wave of events. This means that startups that applied in the first wave would be invited to the first Online Pitch and the first Collaboration Design Sprint. The same logic applies to the startups applying in the second wave.
What’s the difference between the first and second wave of applications?
The startups applying to the first wave will benefit from moving faster to enter in contact with the program partners and move to the collaboration roadmap design, which could serve as a competitive advantage.
What are the selection criteria?
The selection process will be managed by Beta-i and a jury from the partners. A team of evaluators will be focusing on your product, team, market, business model, fit with each partner and will even be counting on their gut feeling and experience from previous Open Innovation programs.
What does my Startup have to gain specifically from this program?
1. Access to the Lisbon Municipality and established organizations in the Portuguese market
2. Fast forward business collaboration opportunities with relevant partners
3. Opportunity to scale and test the product using real data in a live environment
4. Networking and partnerships with startups selected for the Collaboration Design Sprint
Can I apply with more than one startup?
Yes, definitely. You can apply with as many projects you believe would fit and benefit with the program. Each startup will require its separate application.
Can I end up implementing my startup solution with different partners?
Yes, there are no limitations in terms of number of implementation projects and startup-corporate matching.
Is there a budget set aside for the pilot(s)?
The budget for the solution implementation is a process of negotiation between the startup and the partner(s) that should start during the Collaboration Design Sprint.
