PowerUp NetZero Open Call for Business Innovation and Technology Adoption Services

The call focuses on solar energy, battery and energy storage, H2 technologies, sustainable biogas and biomethane, carbon capture and storage (CCS), adoption and improvement of net-zero technologies and solutions, business process innovation linked to the green and digital transition, integration of digital solutions supporting net-zero deployment and efficiency, market uptake of net-zero applications, and innovation development services.

The PowerUp NetZero Open Call provides financial support for the planning phase of net-zero technology adoption by SMEs and start-ups established in eligible countries under the Single Market Programme (SMP). The programme supports companies seeking to improve products, services, and processes through innovation support services and technology transfer activities connected to clean and digital technologies.

Under this initiative, a total budget of EUR 380,000 has been allocated to support 19 companies, with each selected beneficiary eligible to receive up to EUR 20,000. Beneficiaries are required to provide at least 20% co-funding of the total project budget. Supported activities may run for up to seven months following the signature of the agreement, with payments linked to reporting requirements.

Eligible activities include technical and economic feasibility studies, technology adoption roadmaps, integration planning and basic engineering, digital services for net-zero adoption, circularity and sustainability support, ESG and compliance services, and go-to-market and scaling support. Applicants must select a service provider before applying and submit a quotation for the proposed services, as changes to the selected provider will not be allowed during project implementation.

To qualify, applicants must be SMEs or start-ups with at least one closed and validated financial year and must comply with the SME definition established by the European Commission. Companies must have fewer than 250 employees and either an annual turnover of up to EUR 50 million or an annual balance sheet total of up to EUR 43 million. Applicants must also be established in an EU Member State or another country participating in the Single Market Programme.

The call does not accept applications from companies under liquidation or financial difficulty, organisations excluded from receiving EU funding, entities receiving double public funding for the same activities, intermediary organisations, or applicants with conflicts of interest with the PowerUp NetZero Consortium. Applicants may also be requested to submit official registration documents during the evaluation process.

For more information, visit Piedmont Innova Foundation.