Applications are now open! Aimed at the academic community, start-ups, and companies within the sector, this second edition of the program will see over 150,000 euros invested in the most innovative projects.
Amarsul and Valorsul—leading waste management companies in the Lisbon region and across Portugal—are reinforcing their commitment to innovation and efficiency by launching the second edition of their open innovation program, "Open Innovation Amarsul|Valorsul 2026." This initiative connects these two EGF-affiliated companies with the academic world, start-ups, and industry players. The goal is to accelerate the development and implementation of cutting-edge projects and technologies capable of transforming operations, enhancing efficiency, and driving the evolution of the waste management sector in Portugal. To this end, more than 150,000 euros will be invested in the most innovative solutions.
Through the "Open Innovation Amarsul|Valorsul 2026" program, national and international start-ups, academic institutions, and industry companies may apply across three categories:
Challenge 1 – Connected Safety and Artificial Intelligence in Waste Management Operations;
Challenge 2 – Modular Pre-treatment Systems for Mixed Municipal Waste;
Challenge 3 – Industrial IoT for Predictive Maintenance.
This accelerator project from Amarsul and Valorsul follows a 6-month innovation timeline. Applications open today, November 2nd, and will be accepted until midnight on January 25, 2027. The selection phase will conclude by March 15th, at which point the projects advancing to the final presentation stage—a "pitch day" before a jury—will be announced. This final stage will take place during the second half of April. The winners will have the opportunity to co-develop pilot projects and test their solutions within the industrial operations of Amarsul and Valorsul, gaining validation and access to valuable business and waste-sector expertise. In addition to the opportunity to develop their solutions through funded pilot tests, the winners will also receive a prize of €3,000.
“EGF companies—specifically Amarsul and Valorsul—have always distinguished themselves through their capacity to innovate and lead the evolution of the waste management sector in Portugal, and we intend to continue establishing ourselves as a benchmark in this field. Throughout their history, these companies have consistently integrated new technologies and innovative solutions into their operations, seeking to address the sector’s challenges with ever-increasing efficiency,” says António Afonso, Board Member of Amarsul and Valorsul. He adds: “We are confident that the ‘Open Innovation Amarsul|Valorsul 2026’ initiative will serve as an ideal platform for the emergence of new ideas, projects, and technologies with the potential to transform our business, strengthen operational sustainability, and create value for our partners and the communities we serve—ultimately contributing to a service of excellence that is increasingly efficient.”
By participating in the competition, candidates will work side-by-side with industry professionals, receiving support and benefiting from the exchange of best practices. They will also gain greater brand visibility within the sector, both nationally and internationally.
More information about the program is available here: EN | OPEN INNOVATION AMARSUL-VALORSUL