PowerUp NetZero’s OPEN CALLS for SMEs and START-UPS
The PowerUp NetZero project supports SMEs across Europe through Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), offering direct funding to develop innovation activities and adopt net-zero technologies to innovate and improve sustainability and digitalisation.
Two complementary funding opportunities are available, designed to support companies at different stages of their innovation journey.
Funded activities should support business process innovation linked to the integration of net-zero technologies into products, services or internal processes, working on activities such as analysis, planning and implementation.
| CALL OPENING DATE | 21-05-2026 |
| CALL DEADLINE | 30-07-2026 at 17:00 (Brussels time) |
Funds advanced projects can be developed in collaboration with other companies, focusing on the creation, testing and validation of innovative solutions in operational or industrial environments.
| CALL OPENING TIME | 16 – 06 -2026 |
| CALL DEADLINE | 15-09-2026 |
TARGET NET-ZERO TECHNOLOGIES
Proposals must address at least one of the following areas:
- Solar energy
- Battery and energy storage
- Hydrogen technologies
- Sustainable biogas and biomethane
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
ELIGIBILITY
The Open Calls are addressed to SMEs and start-ups established in EU Member States or countries associated with the Single Market Programme, willing to develop or adopt innovative solutions related to net-zero technologies.
WHY APPLY
Participating in PowerUp NetZero means accessing a structured programme that combines financial support, technical expertise and international collaboration. Selected companies will be able to develop concrete solutions, reduce innovation risks and strengthen their positioning in increasingly sustainability-driven market.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The PowerUp NetZero (Powering Up Net Zero applications through the European Single Market) project addresses the need for SMEs and start-ups to strengthen their role in Europe’s green and digital transition through the adoption and development of net-zero technologies. Through targeted support, dedicated open calls, focused training activities and ecosystem collaboration, the project accelerates the development and uptake of solutions in key strategic areas such as solar energy, batteries and energy storage, hydrogen technologies, sustainable biogas and biomethane, and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Its added value lies in empowering SMEs to scale impactful, future-ready innovations by strengthening their competences and supporting their access to new markets. PowerUp NetZero helps companies overcome common barriers to innovation by providing concrete tools, expertise and financial support to turn ideas into applicable solutions. In particular, the project supports SMEs across Europe through Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), offering direct funding to develop innovation activities and adopt net-zero technologies in a structured and results-oriented way.
Project Partners
CO-FUNDED BY EUROPEAN UNION
