HEDGE-IoT Open Call for SMEs and Innovators

Aims

• HEDGE-IoT proposes a novel Digital Framework which aims to deploy IoT assets at different levels of the energy system (from behind-the-meter, up to the TSO level), to add intelligence to the edge and cloud layers through advanced AI/ML tools and to bridge the cloud/edge continuum introducing federated applications governed by advanced computational orchestration solutions. The HEDGEIoT Framework will upgrade the RES-hosting capacity of the energy systems, unleash a previously untapped flexibility potential, leveraging on IoT solutions and will increase the resilience of the grid towards the digitalization of the energy sector, and the advancements in IoT standardization.

Scope and Objectives

• HEDGE-IoT seeks solutions addressing:
  • Enhanced energy efficiency through IoT-enabled demand response.
  • Grid stabilization and flexibility management via predictive analytics.
  • Integration of IoT platforms with advanced AI for real-time energy balancing.
  • Secure data exchange and communication protocols adhering to industry standards

Topics

• Topic 1: Solutions that Enhance Observability and Resiliency of the Grid (Cooperation with the Finnish Pilot)
• Topic 2: Market Integration for Local Flexibility Services (Cooperation with the Finnish Pilot)
• Topic 3: DER Optimization Tools (Cooperation with the Finnish Pilot)
• Topic 4: Energy resource forecasting models – Scalable edge-level solutions enabling distributed optimization of DERs (Cooperation with the Greek Pilot)
• Topic 5: Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring for Device-Level Visibility (Cooperation with the Greek Pilot)
• Topic 6: AI-driven predictive flexibility pricing models – Development of dynamic pricing algorithms that optimize flexibility bids based on congestion and market conditions (Cooperation with the Greek Pilot)
• Topic 7: DSO Perimeters for flexibility resources pre-qualification (Cooperation with the Italian Pilot)
• Topic 8: Standardized IoT & Data‑Sharing Protocols” – Development of open APIs and middleware that enable seamless integration of smart‑grid assets for secure data exchange (Cooperation with the Dutch Pilot)
• Topic 9: Standardized DER‑Integration Solutions for Smart Grids” – Smart control & monitoring of heat pumps, PV, batteries, V2G chargers and building equipment (Cooperation with the Dutch Pilot)
• Topic 10: Hardware utilization for edge computing and testing facilities for HEDGEIoT models operational testing (Cooperation with the Portuguese Pilot)
• Topic 11: Cross-border flexibility value chain and market integration (Cooperation with the Portuguese Pilot)
• Topic 12: Federated Learning (FL) Algorithm Validation in Energy Communities (Cooperation with the Portuguese Pilot)
• Topic 13: Load Disaggregation at the Substation Level (Cooperation with the Slovenian Pilot)
• Topic 14: Integration of Data Space Connectors compliant with the new Data Space Protocol showcasing scalability and technology agnostic connectivity
• Topic 15: AI-Enhanced Data App Discovery & Recommendation Engine
• Topic 16: Semantic Mapper as a Service: A cloud-native or edge-deployable toll to map proprietary or heterogeneous data schemas to the HEDGE-IoT ontologies

Challenges

• Applicants should develop data-driven services running at the edge and/or cloud, exploiting the computational orchestration tools of the project and leveraging IoT assets. Proposals should address one or more of the key challenges below:
  • Optimizing energy demand and response
  • Enhancing grid flexibility and real-time predictive management.
  • Securing IoT-driven energy data and transactions.

Funding Information

• To support innovation uptake, HEDGE-IoT will allocate up to €1,700,000 in cascading funding to up to 30 third-party experiments, primarily targeting SMEs. In the first Open Call, up to 12 projects will be funded corresponding to an amount of up to €700,000.00. Selected applicants can receive up to €60,000, covering their eligible costs.

Eligible Costs

• Personnel
• Travel and subsistence
• Consumables and equipment (max. 20% of total budget)
• Subcontracting (up to 20%) but should be fully justified for the action
• 25% overhead costs on all other costs except subcontracting

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must comply with the following criteria:
  • Legal entities should be registered in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries.
  • Applicants must be profit making Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) or Startups.
  • Proposals should be submitted entirely in English.
  • Absence of conflict of interest with HEDGE-IoT consortium partners is a pre-requisite.

For more information, visit HEDGE-IoT.