Scale
The owner rolls the solution out across its own operations.
Flagship programme
Helix Challenges
A real problem goes in. A tested solution and a decision come out.
A business states a real problem as an open call. Research groups, student teams and startups propose solutions, and TripleHelix runs the process through to a decision.
How it works
One cycle, five stages
Brief
The owner names one problem, a decision date and a budget holder.
Open call
Six weeks of applications from research groups, student teams and startups.
Shortlist
Independent scoring. The owner confirms who proceeds.
Pilot
Eight to ten weeks on a fixed scope.
Decision
One of six outcomes, announced at GTW Baku.
Partner
Owner and solver agree a longer-term collaboration.
License
The owner licenses the solver's technology.
Spin out
The research becomes a new company.
Invest
An investor backs the team once the decision is published.
Stop
A clear no, backed by evidence, is a valid and useful result.
Who takes part
Four roles, one process
Challenge owners
- Brings
- One real problem, a named decision-maker and budget holder, and access to a site, data or a test case.
- Gets
- Tested solutions, evidence for a decision and early sight of new talent.
Research groups & student teams
- Brings
- Expertise, ideas and prototypes.
- Gets
- A real problem and a real test site, a route to licensing or a spin-out, and visibility with industry. Their IP stays theirs.
Startups
- Brings
- A product or working prototype.
- Gets
- A pilot customer and a reference case.
Funders
- Brings
- Co-financing for a cycle.
- Gets
- Measured results and a transparent record of every decision.
First cycle
November to April
Planned timeline. Dates are not yet fixed.
- Nov 2026
Prepare
- Dec – mid-Jan
Open call
- Mid-Jan – early Feb
Shortlist
- Feb – Apr
Pilots
- Apr 2027
Decisions
Two challenges in the first cycle, so each one gets full attention.
Coming soon
Challenge 01
Owner to be announced
Coming soon
Challenge 02
Owner to be announced
FAQ
Questions we expect
Who owns the intellectual property?
The solver keeps its IP. The owner receives an evaluation licence and an option to license. For research groups, the university’s transfer office signs.
Will my problem be made public?
Only a one-page summary. Full detail is shared after an NDA.
How are applications judged?
The challenge owner and an independent academic score them. TripleHelix does not decide alone.
What does it cost?
Terms for the first cycle are being finalised. Register your interest and we will send them before the call opens.
How is TripleHelix connected to Farabi.vc?
Both are part of the same ecosystem. Farabi.vc considers a winner only after the decision is published, and the link is stated openly.
Join
Register your interest
Tell us who you are and what you have in mind. No commitment is needed for the first conversation.