18 innovative SMEs will showcase their solutions for sustainable housing, competing for a €7,500 Innovation Award and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across the European construction sector.
The EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 project is pleased to announce its upcoming Open Innovation Pitch & Matchmaking Event, taking place online on 27 October 2026, from 10:00 to 13:00 CET. This event represents an important milestone in the project’s Open Innovation Programme, bringing together innovative SMEs, construction companies, technology providers and industry stakeholders to foster collaboration, accelerate technological innovation and promote more sustainable practices across the European housing sector.
Showcasing Innovation for Sustainable Housing
The event will feature 18 selected SMEs presenting their innovative solutions before an expert jury. These companies will showcase technologies, products and services addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the construction and housing sectors, particularly in three strategic areas:
- Energy efficiency: Innovative technologies and solutions to optimise building performance, reduce energy consumption and support the decarbonisation of the housing sector.
- Digital transformation: Smart building technologies, digital tools and innovative approaches to improving construction processes and building management.
- Circular economy: Sustainable construction materials, resource efficiency, waste reduction and circular approaches throughout the building lifecycle.
Through their presentations, participating SMEs will have the opportunity to demonstrate the potential of their innovations and contribute to the development of a more competitive, resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable construction industry.
€7,500 Innovation Award
One of the highlights of the event will be the presentation of the €7,500 Innovation Award, which will recognise the best-performing SME participating in the pitching competition. The award aims to encourage entrepreneurship and acknowledge innovative solutions with the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the transformation of Europe’s housing and construction ecosystem.
Connecting Businesses and Creating New Partnerships
Beyond the pitching competition, the event will also include matchmaking opportunities designed to connect innovative solution providers with companies, industry representatives and other relevant stakeholders. These exchanges will encourage participants to explore potential partnerships, identify opportunities for technological cooperation and discuss the practical application of innovative solutions in the construction sector. By facilitating connections between companies seeking new technologies and SMEs developing innovative solutions, the event will contribute to strengthening European innovation networks and supporting the adoption of sustainable construction practices.
About the EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 Project
EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 – Centres of Vocational Excellence for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Housing – is an Erasmus+ co-funded European initiative coordinated by the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB). The project brings together vocational education and training providers, universities, research institutions, industry associations and innovation organisations to strengthen cooperation between education and business and accelerate the green and digital transitions in the construction sector.
Through its network of Centres of Vocational Excellence, EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 promotes innovative training programmes, entrepreneurship, cross-border partnerships and the development of skills and technologies needed for the future of sustainable housing.
Through its network of Centres of Vocational Excellence, EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 promotes innovative training programmes, entrepreneurship, cross-border partnerships and the development of skills and technologies needed for the future of sustainable housing.
The Open Innovation Pitch & Matchmaking Event forms part of these efforts, creating opportunities to connect innovation with industry needs and turn promising ideas into practical solutions.
Event Information and Registration
📅 Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00–13:00 CET
💻 Format: Online
🏆 Innovation Award: €7,500
🕙 Time: 10:00–13:00 CET
💻 Format: Online
🏆 Innovation Award: €7,500
The event is open to companies, SMEs, innovation professionals, construction industry representatives and stakeholders interested in sustainable housing, energy efficiency and technological innovation.
We invite all interested stakeholders to join us, discover innovative solutions and explore new opportunities for collaboration.