--- title: "SPARK Challenge 2026: six innovative solutions move to the next stage" url: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/spark-challenge-2026-six-innovative-solutions-move-to-the-next-stage/" type: post date_published: 2026-07-28 date_modified: 2026-07-28 schema: @type: Article language: en-US word_count: 656 reading_time: 4 min canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/spark-challenge-2026-six-innovative-solutions-move-to-the-next-stage/" featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2607_systra_spark_challenge_photo_4-scaled.jpg" categories: - Non classé --- # SPARK Challenge 2026: six innovative solutions move to the next stage ![SPARK Challenge 2026: six innovative solutions move to the next stage](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2607_systra_spark_challenge_photo_4-scaled.jpg) SYSTRA has announced the results of the 2026 [SPARK Challenge](https://www.systra.com/en/spark-challenge/), its innovation programme designed to identify and accelerate employee-led ideas that address key challenges in transport and infrastructure engineering. Now in its fourth year, the programme has taken on a new dimension with the launch of the [Open SPARK Challenge](https://www.systra.com/en/open-spark-challenge/). Run in partnership with Artefact, this new strand enables SYSTRA to identify solutions developed by start-ups and scale-ups that can help address challenges in transport and infrastructure engineering. The internal challenge attracted **93 teams** from **19 countries**, representing a total of **250 employees**, while **35 start-ups** applied to take part in the Open SPARK Challenge. ## Three employee-led projects recognised Over several weeks, ten employee teams took part in an incubation and training programme, supported by the SPARK team, Artefact and SYSTRA mentors, to turn their ideas into practical solutions. The programme concluded in Paris from 6 to 8 July with a hackathon focused on prototype development, followed by a Demo Day where the teams presented their solutions to the Challenge jury. Three projects received awards: ![SPARK Challenge](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/spark-challenge.jpg) ### AI Agent on VM for FEA Design Automations Developed by a team based in Australia and the United Arab Emirates, the solution is an AI-powered assistant that automates repetitive tasks related to finite element analysis workflows in a controlled virtual machine environment. ### NeuroBIM Created in Spain, NeuroBIM is an AI agent that connects engineering tools, including BIM platforms, through an intelligent integration layer. It facilitates information retrieval, automates compliance checks and enables knowledge from previous projects to be reused. ### SYSTRA Evolve Developed in Italy, the tool provides a web interface that allows non-programmers to run parametric design workflows and compare variants in real time. All three projects will join SYSTRA’s innovation portfolio and receive further support as they continue their development. ## The awards ceremony in pictures ## Three start-ups selected Of the start-ups that applied to the inaugural Open SPARK Challenge, nine were invited to present their solutions to a SYSTRA jury. Three have now been selected to move forward and present their projects to the Group Executive Committee in October: ![Open SPARK](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/open-spark-1024x953.png) ### Utopia Digital Coming from Australia, Utopia Digital is developing a solution that connects the various Common Data Environments used on a construction project and automates the flow of information between platforms. ### Arlequin AI The french start-up, Arlequin AI uses artificial intelligence to analyse and structure large volumes of unstructured, multilingual data. ### e-Magic Founded in Canada, e-Magic converts BIM and asset data into an operational and scalable digital twin, supporting predictive maintenance and better asset lifecycle management. SYSTRA will also continue to explore potential collaboration opportunities with the other shortlisted start-ups. ![jovana-kovacevic](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jovana-kovacevic.jpg) > “The 2026 edition marks a new milestone for our innovation programme. It > showcases both the breadth of ideas being developed by our employees and our > commitment to accelerating innovation by working with external partners. Our > ambition is to turn promising ideas into practical solutions for future > projects and the evolving needs of our industry.” > **Jovana Kovacevic, SPARK Programme Manager** ## TO FIND OUT MORE ![](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/header-spark-challenge-p1230634-1024x769.jpg) _Spark Challenge Read more sur Spark Challenge_ ![](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/vignette-1024x769.jpg) - News March 2nd, 2026 ### SYSTRA opens to startups to accelerate innovation This is a first: SYSTRA’s intrapreneurship programme, SPARK Challenge, is opening to startups to accelerate its innovations, in partnership with the company Artefact. [ Read more ](https://www.systra.com/en/news/systra-opens-to-startups-to-accelerate-innovation/) ![modern cityscape and various transportation network](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/innovation_1-1024x682.jpg) _Innovation Read more sur Innovation_ **Categories:** Non classé