Hotel, Travel and Outdoor

Do you have ideas for products, services, or business models that could make travel, hotels, and enjoying the outdoors more inclusive and eco-friendly? We'd love to hear them! Join our challenge now and be a part of the solution!

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Welcome to the Second FRANCIS Frugal Innovation Challenge!

Are you passionate about shaping the future of hotel, travel, and outdoor experiences? Join our Innovation Challenge, open to all with creative ideas big and small!

Whether you're a visionary traveller, a dedicated hotel staff member, an outdoor fanatic or anyone with a drive for positive change, this challenge is for you. Share your ideas on how to make these industries and experiences more inclusive, eco-friendly, and enjoyable. We are specifically looking for simple, affordable and sustainable solutions.

Not sure if your idea is worthwhile sharing? Please do! We’re looking for ideas on how to solve problems and will help you to detail them. So, if you have an idea for a new app, for example, but no app-programming skills – let’s talk about it!

 

Participants will get exclusive mentoring from industry experts (FutureHotel Innovation Network and Globetrotter), access to inspiring innovation workshops, and the chance to receive a financial grant of up to €3.000 (or equivalent in local currency).

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the movement towards more sustainable and inclusive hotel, travel, and outdoor experiences. Join the challenge now and let your ideas come to life!

Categories 

Reimagined
Hospitality

The future of hospitality is one that embraces social and ecological responsibilities. This is becoming the new norm for both customer expectation and business models.
 

Simple, Smart and Seamless Travel

Travel is on the cusp of a revolution. Harness the power of AI, robotics, and smart services (supported by us) to make travel experiences more inclusive and environmentally friendly.
 

Sustainable
Exploration 

Evolve the way we explore the outdoors with simple solutions - whether it is minimising environmental impact, engaging with local communities, or making the experience enjoyable for more people.
 


Key Dates & Steps

  • Round One: Ideas

    Until 1 September (27 September latest)

    Everyone is invited to register and submit an outline of a sustainable travel, hotel or outdoor idea.
    Submit your idea as early as possible to leave time for feedback and improvement.


  • Round Two: Concepts

    Until 27 September 2024

    Selected Teams will be invited to work with their mentors to develop their idea into a detailed concept.

  • Round Three: Demonstrators

    14 October - 10 November 2024

    5 teams will be selected to create and present a simple demonstration of their concept at the final event.



Opportunities

  • Drive positive change

    You will help to develop innovative and affordable solutions that are good for the environment, society, and the local community.

  • Explore and learn

    You can let your imagination go wild, learn about innovation trends, benefit from industry expertise and meet new people.

  • Benefit from a grant

    Teams that complete the final round receive financial support as acknowledgement for their involvement.

  • Have a real impact

    You can stay involved in post-challenge collaboration and help to turn ideas into real products that reach a broad range of users.

  • Be an inspiration

    You will inspire others to take an active role in research and innovation and demonstrate to institutions the benefits of involving citizens in the design of new solutions.

  •  

Final Event

The grand final on 13 November 2024 will be an opportunity for the finalists to pitch to our jury of scientists and industry partners in a live online event.
 
At the end of the challenge, a jury and partners will announce the final ranking. 
 
The 3 best teams will receive a financial grant of €3.000 (or equivalent in local currency).
 
The teams that make it to the 4th and 5th place will receive a financial grant of €500 (or equivalent in local currency).