Fueling Innovation
for a Decarbonized Future
Join Colmeia to shape scalable, impactful solutions for Matosinhos—and beyond.
About Colmeia
Colmeia is an innovation program designed to foster scalable, impactful solutions that address the sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow.
Powered by Câmara Municipal de Matosinhos, Fundação Galp and Galp, in partnership with Beta-i, Colmeia connects global innovators with local opportunities to drive real change.
Challenges We’re Tackling
Colmeia is looking for solutions that address key local challenges:
Sustainable & Connected Mobility
- Urban consolidation centers & smart routing to optimize deliveries and reduce congestion.
- Data-sharing platforms for optimizing energy, transport, and logistics networks.
- Affordable clean mobility solutions (e.g.: shared transit, micro-mobility).
- Renewable-Powered Ports & Logistics: Clean energy solutions for more sustainable port operations.
Smart & Resilient Energy
- Energy efficiency & renewable solutions for low-income homes.
- Platforms enabling residents to exchange surplus solar energy.
- Smart systems that monitor & optimize energy use in municipal buildings.
Protecting local energy infrastructure from cyber threats. - Community Energy Grids – Local renewable networks for shared and reliable power.
If your solution fits these areas,
we want to hear from you!
Program Structure
Colmeia is a fast-paced program designed to accelerate your solution from idea to implementation. The journey is structured in three key phases with progressive selection stages:
Scouting
We start by selecting 10 promising innovators based on the strength and potential of their applications.
Sprint #1: Hive Discovery
The top 10 startups from the initial selection advance to this phase. Here, participants will engage in:
- Discovery meetings;
- Reverse pitches;
- Collaborative workshops to refine their problem-solution fit, validate their ideas, and align with the local context.
Online Pitch
At the end of Sprint #1:
- The 10 projects will present their refined solutions in an online pitch session;
- 3 standout projects will be selected to move forward to the next phase.
Sprint #2: Wax Modelling
The selected 3 startups will undergo an intensive mentoring phase focused on prototyping, testing, and preparing for real-world implementation. Participants will benefit from:
- Deep-dive technical support;
- Pilot planning sessions;
- Storytelling workshops to enhance their impact.
Pilot Implementation
The final 3 pilots will be launched in Matosinhos with support from our partners and according to the awarded prizes.
Scouting
We start by selecting 10 promising innovators based on the strength and potential of their applications.
Sprint #1: Hive Discovery
- Discovery meetings
- Reverse pitches
- Collaborative workshops to refine their problem-solution fit, validate their ideas, and align with the local context.
Online Pitch
At the end of Sprint #1:
- the 10 projects will present their refined solutions in an online pitch session.
- 3 standout projects will be selected to move forward to the next phase.
Sprint #2: Wax Modelling
The selected 3 startups will undergo an intensive mentoring phase focused on prototyping, testing, and preparing for real-world implementation. Participants will benefit from:
- deep-dive technical support,
- pilot planning sessions, and
- storytelling workshops to enhance their impact.
Pilot Implementation
The top 3 pilots will receive monetary prizes to help scale their solutions!
for the first place
for the second place
for the third place
Program Timeline
Open Call
March 6 – March 28
Evaluation & Selection
April
Sprint #1
April 22 – April 28
Online Pitch
April 29
Sprint #2
May 13 – May 20
Final
May 22
Why Join Colmeia
Real-World Impact
Access to Key Networks
Strategic Visibility
Tailored Development
Expert Mentorship
Monetary Prize
FAQs
Who can apply to Colmeia?
Colmeia is open to global startups and SMEs with innovative, scalable solutions. We are looking for projects that address key urban and sustainability challenges, such as:
- Urban consolidation centers & smart routing to reduce congestion
- Data-sharing platforms for optimizing energy, transport, and logistics
- Affordable clean mobility solutions (shared transit, micro-mobility)
- Renewable-powered ports & sustainable logistics
- Thermal insulation & renewable energy for low-income homes
- Platforms for surplus solar energy exchange
- Smart systems to monitor and optimize municipal energy use
- Cybersecurity solutions for local energy infrastructure
- Community energy grids for reliable, shared renewable power
If your solution aligns with these areas, we encourage you to apply!
Is there a cost to participate?
What kind of support will I receive?
Access to expert mentorship, technical support, workshops, and a chance to win a monetary prize.
What happens after the pilot implementation?
You’ll gain visibility, potential partnerships, and opportunities to scale your solution beyond the program.
Can I apply if my project is in an early development stage?
How will the monetary prize be awarded?
Are there specific criteria for selection?
Do I need to be based in Matosinhos to apply?
Is the program conducted online or in-person?
The program is fully online, except for the Final, which will be held in person in Matosinhos. The travelling expenses of the 3 selected project teams will have to be covered by the teams themselves, but only at least 1 person per team must attend in person.