For both categories
Can I apply on my own?
Yes, in the “entrepreneurs” category.
No for the hopefuls category, where there must be at least two people in the team.
Regardless of your category, having a multi-disciplinary team is clearly an advantage.
Which contact e-mail address should I use when registering?
You can use any contact e-mail address (personal e-mail, generic team e-mail). We recommend that you check your e-mail inbox regularly since all the communication about the call for proposals (results, invitations, etc.) will occur via this channel.
My project has a strong sustainable development bias. Does it fall within the framework of the call for proposals?
Yes, as long as the project in question covers one of the themes proposed. This will then represent a clear advantage for your project.
In both categories, do I have to follow the proposed executive summary and business plan templates to the letter?
In order to be in a position to best compare projects, the executive summary must be written according to the proposed template. However, you are free to adapt your business plan to best suit your project while remaining within the 20-page limit given, excluding appendices. You can also enclose additional information. However, these will not be given priority in our assessment. We recommend that you work hard on your executive summary and business plan.
Can I modify my application in my personal space?
Yes, until February 13, you can make any changes that you wish. After that date, you will no longer be able to change or add items to your application.
“Hopefuls” category
Must all the members of a given team be registered at the same school or university?
No, you can be enrolled at several institutions. However, you must have a letter of recommendation from a teacher or member of the administration at one of the institutions where the students are enrolled.
How much investment might I achieve as a prizewinner?
The panel can allocate a maximum investment of €5,000 to a given project.
What do you mean by investment?
Prizewinners will be given a sum of money. This sum must imperatively be invested in the project. It may be used in the building of a prototype, the purchase of a machine needed to allow your project to operate, the purchase of space, filing a patent, etc. GDF SUEZ can ask you for documentary evidence at any time of how you used the sum of money given by GDF SUEZ. However, in the event that the sum of money is used for everyday expenses (wages, invoices, travel costs, etc.) and/or personal expenditure, GDF SUEZ may request the repayment of the sum in whole or in part.
“Entrepreneurs” category
I am not Belgian, French or Swiss. Can I still take part in the call for proposals?
Yes.
What is the upper age limit for responding to this call for proposals?
There is no upper age limit for this call for proposals.
How much investment might I achieve as a prizewinner?
Three prizewinners will receive in-depth feedback about their Business Plan. The ambition of GDF SUEZ is to invest a minority stake in at least one of the startups. This may attain €400,000. However, if none of the startups seems viable, then GDF SUEZ will not commit to this investment.
I am awaiting validation of my filing to register a startup. Can I take part in “The Innovation Challenge” call for proposals?
Yes, as long as your startup registration filing has taken place by February 13, 2012 at the latest. If this is not the case, and you are still a student, you can take part in the “hopefuls” category.
