Call for Applications: AI Enabled Energy Audit and Consulting for SMEs

Focus areas include: “AI Enabled Energy Audit and Consulting for SMEs,” “Optimize Power Consumption with a Supportive Tool for Energy Audits,” “Automatically analyse existing company, energy, and sustainability data,” “Generate reports – creating the basis or draft for energy audits/consultations in accordance with the Energieeffizienzgesetz and Kurzberichtsverordnung,” “Provide concrete recommendations for action in various areas,” “Integrate expert knowledge to validate and refine the results,” and “Be scalable across different industries, company sizes, and subject areas.”

Companies today face diverse challenges during energy consultations and audits, from load management and renewable energy supply to carbon footprint and waste heat recovery. While much of the required data already exists internally, limited personnel and time-consuming data retrieval processes hinder efficiency. The challenge invites solutions that use AI to automate analysis of company data, generate structured energy reports, and offer actionable recommendations. These tools should integrate expert validation to ensure accuracy while remaining scalable across industries.

The overarching goal is to develop an AI-assisted system that simplifies and enhances the consulting process for SMEs, enabling compliance with Austria’s energy efficiency laws while fostering data-driven energy optimization. Energie AG aims to streamline audit procedures, empower SMEs to meet regulatory standards, and elevate the role of energy efficiency through intelligent, practical, and efficient digital solutions.

Selected startups will receive up to €50,000 in funding to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Successful solutions demonstrating strong alignment and impact may also lead to a long-term partnership with Energie AG Oberösterreich.

Applications must be submitted by January 4, 2026, to be considered for funding and collaboration.