Direct lump-sum grants are available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) building the future of European energy systems. The PowerUp NetZero initiative provides critical capital to de-risk and demonstrate innovative net-zero technologies.
Overview
Funded under the Single Market Programme, this call targets collaborative projects focused on solar energy, battery storage, hydrogen technologies, sustainable biogas, and carbon capture. It explicitly supports proof-of-concept testing, pilot implementation, and activities that optimize operational parameters for green technologies.
Benefits
The grant removes technical and financial risks associated with hardware and service demonstrations.
- Funding: Up to €120,000 distributed to each successful consortium, with individual SMEs eligible for up to €60,000.
- Payment Structure: Funds are dispersed as lump-sum payments tied directly to agreed milestones and reporting.
- Project Duration: Backs innovation sprints lasting up to 10 months.
Eligibility
Applications must meet precise structural rules.
- Consortium: You must apply as a consortium of exactly two to three SMEs, which can include startups.
- Geography: All participating entities must be established in an EU Member State or a country participating in the Single Market Programme.
- Track Record: Participating SMEs must have at least one closed and validated financial year.
- Readiness: Solutions should demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 to 7.
How to Apply
Ensure you follow the strict one-application rule.
- Deadline: Submit your consortium proposal by September 15, 2026, at 17:00 Brussels time.
- Limits: An SME may participate in only one consortium for this call.
- Submit: Complete the application through the official PowerUp NetZero portal.
