PowerUp NetZero – a Eurocluster bringing together six European clusters specialized in clean technologies, mobility, and digitalization – promotes the adoption and development of the following net-zero emission technologies by SMEs and startups: solar energy, energy storage, hydrogen, biogas and biomethane, and CCS. In this first call, with a total budget of €380,000, up to €20,000 per SME is offered for specialized external services in assessment, planning, and preparation to integrate Net-Zero solutions into products, processes, or services. Applications for the call can be submitted from May 21 until July 30, 2026.
PowerUp NetZero (Powering Up Net Zero applications through the European Single Market) is a Eurocluster that brings together six European clusters (specialized in clean technologies, mobility and logistics, and digitalization) from five regions. It will create synergies with other initiatives, projects, and consortia, and develop a long-term strategy to sustain net-zero emission initiatives.
The project, with a duration of 3 years (October 2025 to October 2028), addresses the need to strengthen the role of SMEs and startups in Europe’s green and digital transition through the adoption and development of net-zero emission technologies.
The project directly supports companies by providing Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. The project will launch 2 open calls focused on key challenges within the 5 prioritized areas:
- Business innovation activities / technology adoption, with 19 SMEs to be selected. (OPEN). Selected companies will receive support for specialized external services that enable them to assess, plan, and prepare to integrate Net-Zero solutions into their products, processes, or services.
- Innovation projects, with 13 selected consortia, involving at least 26 SMEs. (COMING SOON)
Technology Areas
The business innovation activities / technology adoption call focuses on the following five Net-Zero technologies:
- Solar energy
- Batteries and energy storage
- Hydrogen technologies
- Sustainable biogas and biomethane
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Eligible activities
Funding will be granted to SMEs and startups for activities related to pre-investment services, such as:
- Feasibility studies
- Roadmaps for technology adoption
- Integration planning and basic engineering
- Digital services for Net-Zero adoption
- Support in sustainability, circularity, and ESG
- Support for commercialization, market entry, and scaling
Available Funding
- Up to €20,000 per beneficiary
- Funding covers up to 80% of eligible costs
- Total budget: €380,000
- At least 19 SMEs and startups will be supported across Europe
Application deadline
The call will remain open from May 21 until July 30, 2026. More information: https://piemonteinnova.it/first-powerup-netzero-open-call-smes-net-zero-technologies/