BlueGreen Innovation Challenge 2026 (BIC26)

Date
3–4. NOV 2026

Location

VIA University College, Campus Horsens
Banegårdsgade 2
8700 Horsens

This is not your average hackathon. BIC26 brings together the entire value chain – from regional and municipal authorities, utilities and consultants to researchers, manufacturers, students and implementing companies – to work on real-life challenges presented by challenge owners from the sector. The goal is to develop solutions that can make a real difference and continue beyond the event itself.

Focus areas

Participants work in interdisciplinary teams on challenges within:

  • Water management
  • Nature-based solutions
  • Resource efficiency

When registering, participants may submit their own challenge or indicate a preference for working on a specific case. Teams are formed to ensure maximum diversity and learning.

Who can participate?

You or your organisation are invited because we need your knowledge and curiosity. As a participant, you are expected to:

  • Be open to input from all disciplines and levels of expertise
  • Actively contribute your experience and knowledge
  • Engage in a collaborative process where results are shared with everyone

All solutions are presented to a jury at the end of the event, with students taking the lead in pitching their team’s ideas. The ambition is to develop solutions that create real and lasting value.

Practical information

  • Date: 3–4 November 2026
  • Location: VIA University College, Campus Horsens
  • Time: Day 1: 08:30–18:00, Day 2: 08:30–16:00
  • Language: Plenary sessions and facilitation are conducted in English, while the primary working language is Danish
  • Price: Participation is free of charge – catering and facilities are included. Transportation and accommodation are at your own expense

Programme

Day 1: 3 November

  • 08:30 – 08:45: Arrival and coffee
  • 08:45 – 09:00: Welcome and introduction
  • 09:00 – 09:15: Keynote (to be announced)
  • 09:15 – 09:25: Revisiting cases and results from last year’s event
  • 09:25 – 09:45: Introduction to BlueGreen Innovation Challenge 2026
  • 09:45 – 10:30: Team building
  • 10:30 – 10:45: Coffee break and networking
  • 10:45 – 12:30: Exploring the challenge cases
  • 12:30 – 13:00: Lunch
  • 13:30 – 15:30: Exploring potential solutions to the challenges (including coffee break)
  • 16:00 – 17:30: Sharing the results from Day 1
  • 17:45 – : Dinner & networking
  • 20:00: End of Day 1

Day 2: 4 November

  • 08:30 – 08:45: Arrival and coffee
  • 08:45 – 09:00: Opening of Day 2
  • 09:00 – 09:15: Inspiration session
  • 09:15 – 14:15: From idea to solution
  • 10:30 – 10:45: Coffee break & networking
  • 09:15 – 12:30: Student pitch training
  • 12:30 – 13:00: Working lunch
  • 13:00 – 14:20: Preparing pitches
  • 14:20 – 14:30: Jury introduction
  • 14:30 – 15:40: Pitching challenges & solutions to the judges
  • 15:40 – 15:50: Awards & wrap-up
  • 16:00: End of BIC26!

Organisers and partners

BIC26 is organised in collaboration between:

  • VIA University College
  • CLEAN – Denmark’s Water and Environmental Cluster
  • DNNK – Danish National Network for Climate Adaptation
  • Business Hub Central Denmark

Together with challenge owners and partners from the water, climate and environmental sectors.

Get an impression of last year’s success in this short video:

BlueGreen Innovation Challenge 2026 is supported by Virksomhedsudvikling Danmark through the Danish Board of Business Development and the European Union.

Partners

logo-via
DNNK logo
Erhvervshus Midtjylland Logo

Want to know more?

Events
  • Process

    2024–2026

    9. AUG–22. AUG

    Advanced Water Cycle Management Course 2026

    International summer school on water management and technology

  • Conference

    2026

    1. SEP

    Water Export Day 2026

    Export opportunities and networking for the water sector

  • DelegationWebinar

    2026

    14–18. SEP

    CCUS delegation to Canada

    In Alberta, Canada, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is already a core part of both climate action and industrial development. Here,…

  • Funding

    2026

    16. SEP

    Funding for PFAS Innovation Projects

    Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an increasing regulatory and environmental concern in Denmark and across the European Union…

  • Conference
    IWA Glasgow 2026, speaker in front of audience

    2026

    4–8. OCT

    Become an exhibitor at IWA Glasgow

    Join Clean at IWA Glasgow 2026 and meet potential customers, partners, and decision-makers from around the world.

  • Conference
    Man speaking at I4WASH conference

    2026

    28–31. OCT

    Innovation Camp Nairobi (I4WASH 2026)

    Explore growth markets in the water sector, sanitation, and climate adaptation in Kenya. Is your company looking to explore new export and…