Industry Challenge
Automated Inspection Challenge by Volkswagen Group Innovation
Got what it takes to build the future of quality control?
Companies set the challenge.
Startup solve it.
Explore
Test emerging technologies without the risks
Validate
Walk away with proven approaches that are ready to scale
Accelerate
Move at startup speed without the internal overhead
Discover
Market overview through curated matching
You have a specific technology-related challenge that is hard to solve from the inside. Maybe it is too niche for a traditional vendor, too early for a big procurement process, or simply needs a fresh perspective. Let’s turn this into a startup competition.
We handle everything: scouting, onboarding, coaching, and coordination of 3 to 5 carefully selected startup teams, each tackling your problem with their own approach over a structured program of three to six months.
What makes this approach unique is the efficient method of gaining access to the latest solutions. Various solutions are tested under realistic conditions based on the criteria you define and, at pre-established checkpoints, you provide feedback. In the end, you get a clear-cut decision for each startup: go on to a pilot, more testing, or no further progress. You commit once the evidence is on the table.
Rapid solutions
to industrial challenges
We structure the format around the goal of, at a minimum, translating the best solution into a pilot project between the startup and the industry partner. That is why every milestone and review is designed to gather the evidence needed to proceed. In addition, a specific owner is designated for the follow-up process, and a 90-day follow-up plan is established.
At the final Demo Day, a jury with decision-making and budget authority evaluates all solutions and delivers a clear recommendation for every team.
The best approaches moves forward: with a defined pilot, a named owner, and a concrete 90-day plan to turn the winning solution into reality.
Startups solve it.
Companies set the challenge.
Access
Get direct access to a major industry partner’s infrastructure and experts.
Feedback
Receive structured input at every milestone from the relevant people.
Validation
Prove your solution by testing it under real conditions against defined criteria.
Traction
Win an early customer with a high profile and a reference that opens doors.
For each challenge, we will select the three to five best candidates to take part. The selected teams will benefit from the infrastructure, resources and expertise offered by our challenge owner, and will therefore have the opportunity to solve a real-world problem.
Each team will develop and test their own approach to solving the problem, receiving regular feedback at defined milestones while competing on equal terms.
This is your chance to demonstrate your innovation directly to a major industry player and secure a prominent client right away.
Information is shared transparently with participants from the start. The KPIs are clearly stated, honest feedback is provided, and the outcome — whether a pilot, further cooperation, or useful knowledge — awaits at the end of the programme.
We developed this format with the goal of implementing at least the best solution as a pilot project with the industry partner, ensuring that there is a clearly designated follow-up owner and a 90-day follow-up plan in place.
How it works
We act as a bridge between the startup and corporate worlds, ensuring that the challenge yields mutually beneficial outcomes for both sides.
More Information
If you have any further questions, please contact:
