Deadline: 4-January-2026
Energie AG Oberösterreich invites startups to develop innovative solutions that redefine digital customer service by combining physical and virtual interactions to create a new form of regional presence.
Focus: Development of a future-proof, digital customer service office concept that combines physical and virtual interaction forms and enables new types of regional presence. They are looking for solutions that make personal consultation digitally tangible — e.g. through avatars, holographic representatives, or mixed reality applications, enable interaction via touchscreens, voice bots, or direct video calls to the call center, use personalized avatars (e.g. regionally themed, such as traditional attire in rural areas or modern design for Gen Z), can be operated locally in cooperation with municipalities, banks, or insurance companies, and can also be made available to other organizations as a platform-based solution.
Today’s customers expect seamless, personalized, and at the same time digital service experiences. While traditional customer service centers continue to symbolize regional proximity, their operation has become increasingly challenging due to high personnel costs, limited opening hours, and changing communication behavior questioning traditional structures. At the same time, expectations for digital service quality are rising as customers seek fast, accessible, and interactive engagement with Energie AG from anywhere without losing personal interaction and regional identity.
The PowerTower customer service office represents this transformation, serving as a hybrid space that unites physical presence, digital experiences, and innovative technologies. Energie AG aims to maintain a strong regional presence through a hybrid branch structure that ensures personal consultation while increasing efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. The challenge explores how technologies such as avatars, voice bots, and video interactions can redefine customer proximity and improve the overall service experience.
Selected startups will have the opportunity to receive funding of up to €50,000 to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in collaboration with Energie AG’s experts. In addition to financial support, Energie AG will provide access to extensive data, technical know-how, and the possibility of establishing a long-term partnership if the developed solution aligns perfectly with the company’s vision.
The goal is to create a digital, scalable, and approachable presence solution that maintains and enhances the service level of existing offices. Energie AG welcomes creative and future-ready concepts that contribute additional concrete ideas and opportunities beyond the outlined objectives.
Startups interested in shaping the future of customer service for the energy sector are invited to submit their proposals by January 4, 2026. Energie AG looks forward to receiving innovative applications that can transform customer engagement in the digital age.
For more information, visit Energie AG Oberösterreich.
