ATE Open Innovation Program – Application Terms

Thank you for your interest in the ATE Open Innovation Program. We’re delighted that you are considering applying to participate in this initiative and look forward to receiving your application.

Before submitting your application, please read these terms carefully, as they contain important information about the application process and your rights and responsibilities if you decide to proceed.

By submitting an application, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you have any questions, please contact us before submitting your application.

1. ABOUT US

The ATE Open Innovation Program is an international initiative designed to accelerate innovation and collaboration in the energy sector. It is promoted by the Alliance for the Energy Transition (ATE) and managed by Beta-i Collaborative Innovation and INESC TEC.

Any reference to we, us or our in these terms refers jointly to the Promoters and Program Managers, unless otherwise stated.

Promoter:

  • Alliance for the Energy Transition (ATE)

Program Managers:

  • Beta-i Collaborative Innovation, registered with the Commercial Registry Office under company and tax number 514075228, with registered office at Edifício Atrium Saldanha, Praça Duque de Saldanha, nº 1, 2º andar, 1050-094 Lisboa, Portugal.
  • INESC TEC, registered under company number 502986431, with headquarters at Campus da FEUP, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.

The Promoter and Program Managers are independent entities collaborating to deliver the Program. Nothing in these terms is intended to suggest any other association between them.

2. ABOUT YOU

The Program is open to individuals, teams, and organizations (including companies, startups, and other legal entities).

If you are applying as an individual, you will be personally responsible for compliance with these terms.

If you apply on behalf of a team, you confirm that all members agree to the submission and are bound by these terms.

If you apply on behalf of a company or organization, you confirm you are duly authorized to do so.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Applicants must not be employees or immediate family members of employees of the Promoters or Program Managers.
  • Applicants must not be directly involved in the Program’s selection process or mentoring activities.

International applicants are welcome, but are responsible for compliance with all applicable visa and travel requirements.

Multiple applications are allowed provided they are substantially different. The Program Managers may request applicants to choose one application if submissions are too similar.

3. SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

Applications are open from September 2, 2025 to November 7, 2025 (11:59 PM GMT+1).

Late applications may be considered at the Program Managers’ discretion, but there is no obligation to do so.

All applications must be submitted via the F6S platform. Applicants must comply with both these terms and F6S’s own terms of use.

Applications must be completed in English, following the instructions provided.

Applications may be rejected if:

  • They are incomplete or not submitted in English.
  • They duplicate an existing application.
  • They contain misleading or inappropriate content.
  • The applicant’s identity or authorization is unclear.
  • The idea or business is not deemed suitable for the Program.

4. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Following the application deadline, the Program Managers and Partners will evaluate eligible applications based on the following criteria:

  • Team
  • Product/Technology
  • Market and scalability potential
  • Business model
  • Fit with the ATE Open Innovation Program

Due diligence will be carried out to verify applicant information. Cooperation is required; applications may be withdrawn if due diligence results are unsatisfactory.

These terms govern only the application process. If selected, participation will be subject to signing separate Participation Terms, to be provided in due course.

Applicants may also be invited to explore investment or collaboration opportunities independently of the Program. Submission of an application implies consent to be contacted for such opportunities.

5. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

You must act in good faith and professionally throughout the process.

You must not submit information that is:

  • False, misleading, incomplete, or illegal.
  • Defamatory, offensive, or infringing on others’ rights.
  • Harmful, containing viruses, or damaging to our reputation.

You must promptly notify us if any submitted information becomes inaccurate.

You agree to indemnify the Promoters and Program Managers for any losses arising from breaches of these terms, except where caused by our negligence or default.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

You should not include confidential or proprietary information in your application.

All submitted materials will be treated as non-confidential unless otherwise agreed in writing.

We will handle personal data in compliance with applicable data protection laws and our Privacy Policy.

Any information you submit about third parties must be provided with their consent.

Applicants may be filmed or photographed during Program-related activities. By participating, you consent to the use of your image and name in communications and promotional materials of the Promoters and Program Managers.

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

You retain ownership of all intellectual property rights in your materials.

Nothing in these terms transfers any intellectual property between the parties.

You grant the Promoters and Program Managers a limited, non-exclusive license to use your information and branding materials solely for Program-related purposes, including promotion and evaluation.

You must not use the names, logos, or materials of the Promoters or Program Managers without prior written consent.

8. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Whether or not your application is selected, the Promoters or Program Managers may contact you regarding investment or collaboration opportunities.

These terms (where relevant) will continue to apply to such discussions unless replaced by a separate agreement.

9. LIABILITY

The total aggregate liability of the Promoters and Program Managers for all claims arising from these terms shall not exceed EUR 1,000 each.

Neither party shall be liable for:

  • Technical or human errors during application submission.
  • Lost, delayed, or corrupted applications.
  • Unauthorized third-party intervention.
  • Inaccurate Program information provided in error.

Nothing in these terms limits liability for death, personal injury, or fraud.

10. CONTACT DETAILS

For questions regarding the Program, contact:

📩 data.protection@beta-i.com

Official notices should be sent to the Program Managers’ registered addresses (as listed in Section 1).

Any updates or changes in your contact details must be promptly communicated to us.

11. GENERAL

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Program or application process at any time, including for technical or unforeseen circumstances.

We may suspend or disqualify any applicant who breaches these terms or acts inappropriately.

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of rights.

If any clause is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

These terms, together with our Privacy Policy, form the entire agreement governing this application process.

To ensure fairness, individual amendments to these terms will not be accepted. However, general updates may be issued and notified to all applicants.

These terms (including any related disputes) are governed by Portuguese law, and the courts of Portugal shall have exclusive jurisdiction.