Open Innovation Challenge for Talent – SIGNs Sprint
What is the Green & Circular Metals Open Innovation Challenge for Talent - SIGNs Sprint?
The Green & Circular Metals Open Innovation Challenge for Talent - SIGNs Sprint is an opportunity for Master's students, PhD candidates and recent graduates to tackle a real industry challenge and pitch their solutions live at the Green & Circular Metals Expert Forum in Amsterdam on 29 September 2026.
Convened by EIT RawMaterials as part of its Strategic Impact Group Networks (SIGNs) initiative, the Green & Circular Metals Expert Forum is one of Europe's leading gatherings for the green and circular metals sector. It brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators around the challenges that matter most: decarbonisation, circularity, investment, and the skills needed to get there.
Why join?
- Develop solutions to real challenges facing the green and circular metals sector.
- Receive dedicated mentoring and innovation coaching
- Connect with industry leaders, researchers and innovators at the Expert Forum.
- Build lasting connections with peers from across Europe.
- Win cash prizes, including €1,000 per person for the winning team.
- Travel and accommodation fully covered for the final event.
What's the focus?
The transition to green and circular metals is one of Europe's biggest industrial challenges, and one of its greatest opportunities for innovation.
This year's Open Innovation Challenge for Talent - SIGNs Sprint focuses on developing solutions that can help decarbonise metals production, improve resource efficiency, and accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable and circular metals industry.
Participants will work in multidisciplinary teams on one of three challenge themes proposed by industry, developing innovative, practical solutions with guidance from mentors and innovation coaches.
Challenge themes
What’s the timeline?
The Open Innovation Challenge for Talent - SIGNs Sprint combines online collaboration with an in-person finale in Amsterdam. Thirty selected participants will be placed into six multidisciplinary teams, take part in four guided online sprint sessions before presenting their solutions at the Expert Forum.
| 13 July 2026 | Applications open |
| 15 August 2026 | Application deadline |
| Late August | Participants selected and assigned to teams |
| 7-28 September | Weekly online Open Innovation Challenge for Talent - SIGNs Sprint |
| 29 September | Final in-person pitches in Amsterdam |
Who can apply?
We welcome EU-based Master’s students, PhD candidates, and recent graduates (within the last three years) from disciplines including the following areas:
- Mechanical Engineering, Automation and Control Systems
- Industrial and Mining Engineering and Geosciences
- Mechanical and Industrial Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Data Management and AI Solutions
- Analytical and process chemistry
- Physics and materials characterization
- Sustainability, Industrial Ecology and Circular Economy
How to apply?
- Complete the application form
- Finish one free online learning module as part of the application
Choose from a selection of one-hour, Steel University-accredited modules covering topics such as industrial decarbonisation, circular economy, digitalisation and AI, and the future of metals production.
All eligible applicants who complete the application and qualifying module will be entered into a random selection draw, from which 30 participants will be selected. You'll keep your course certificate whether or not you're selected.