"In a future-oriented sector with growing challenges, innovation is indispensable. But how do we ensure security along the way?
Pilot Blue is your trusted navigator – we minimize financial risks for first movers and create opportunities where others still see obstacles."
Our piloting program
From Idea to Impact
Innovation projects require courage, but also trust. Technology developers and users are often faced with the question of who bears the financial risks. With Pilot Blue, we remove uncertainties for both sides: We help environmental and recycling technologies overcome the initial implementation hurdles.
Pilot Blue offers financing solutions for project-based partnerships between technology providers and users. Our approach: First, we objectively and critically assess each technological solution, set measurable project goals transparently, and create a clear decision-making basis. If the goals of the innovation project are achieved, the satisfied user adopts the technology and an acquisition fee is paid back to Pilot Blue. And if not? Our support fund fully absorbs the risk for all parties involved. In this way, we build trust and make innovation possible.
Pioneers of Innovation
A promising technology alone is often not enough to compete with established products in the market. No surprise: Users often shy away from the financial risks associated with innovation. With Pilot Blue’s support fund, you provide your customers with security – creating the foundation for successful pilot projects and initial revenue streams.
Our focus is on innovative solutions that advance the European environmental and circular economy – whether plants, components, or digital technologies. We support applications with maturity levels 6 to 8, both in municipal and industrial contexts.
Securily into the Future
Both municipalities and industrial companies are under pressure: Climate change, workforce shortages, and increasingly strict regulations demand bold, innovative solutions. But which technology can be trusted? And what happens if a project doesn’t deliver on its promises?
Pilot Blue brings experience, independence, and expertise to objectively evaluate innovations and realistically assess their potential. Together with you, we define success criteria that ensure you only pay for a technology when it meets your expectations – and not otherwise.
Projects That Make a Difference
At Pilot Blue, it’s not about research and testing but about tangible value creation. Our projects demonstrate market relevance by showcasing technologies directly with customers over a period of about 2-9 months. If successful, this is followed directly by scaling up.
Our funding is aimed at stakeholders of the European environmental and recycling sector, whether municipal or industrial. We focus on technical and digital solutions that are modular, robust, and scalable. Because we are convinced: The answers to the challenges of our industry are being developed here.
