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  • Innovation Fund

    The funding boost for low-carbon technologies

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    Funding for decarbonization and EV Battery Innovation

    The Innovation Fund programme is destined to SME & large corporations who can apply as single applicants or in a consortium. It supports cutting-edge projects aimed at substantial emission reductions, helping project promoters by sharing the risk. Managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), it targets projects that show maturity in planning, business, and finances and have a TRL between 6-9. This initiative will help achieve the EU’s Green Deal and Net-Zero Industry Act goals. 

    • Calls opened since December 2024.
    • Submission Deadline: 24 April 2025.
    • Evaluation Results Announcement (Expected): October 2025.
    • Project Start (Expected): March 2026.

    To submit an optimal application in April 2025, preparations should start now. A successful application requires a well-structured approach and sufficient time for planning.

     

    Why Apply to the Innovation Fund?

    The Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programs aimed at supporting innovative low-carbon technologies. By applying, you can:

    • Receive funding of up to 60% of project costs through LUMP-SUM contributions.
    • Access a total budget of €2.4 billion for the Net-Zero Technologies Call and €1 billion for the Battery Manufacturing Call.
    • Benefit from expert guidance to ensure your project meets evaluation criteria and stands out in the competitive landscape.

     

    Innovation Fund: Net-Zero Industry Call – IF24 Call

    Characteristics of the call
    • Submission Period: December 3, 2024 – April 24, 2025.
    • Available Budget: €2.4 billion.
    • Supports innovative technologies for renewable energy components, energy storage, heat pumps, and hydrogen production.
    • Includes ‘Grants-as-a-Service’ to enable Member States to complement funding with national schemes.
    Call Topics & Budget
    • The Innovation Fund call has different calls per topic:
      • Large-scale projects (CAPEX > €100 million): €1.2 billion for decarbonization projects in sectors such as CCS, renewable energy, energy storage, and maritime/aviation.
      • Medium-scale projects (CAPEX €20-100 million): €200 million.
      • Small-scale projects (CAPEX €2.5-20 million): €100 million.
      • Clean-tech manufacturing (CAPEX > €2.5 million): €700 million for components like electrolysers, fuel cells, heat pumps, and energy storage solutions.
      • Pilot projects (CAPEX > €2.5 million): €200 million for highly innovative deep-decarbonization solutions.
    Eligible Applicants
    • Startups, SMEs, or mid-caps
    • Single applicants or part of a consortium.
    • From any country, provided the project will be implemented in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland.
    • The project must be mature. The project is considered mature if it is ready to be evaluated by investors. The foundation of an Innovation Fund application is the company’s investment project, structured as it would be presented to the CEO, potential investors, or financial institutions.
    Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated based on:

    • Degree of innovation.
    • Potential for GHG emission avoidance.
    • Project maturity.
    • Replicability.
    • Cost efficiency.

    Bonus Points:
    Proposals related to net carbon removals, additional renewable energy sources (RES), projects in the maritime sector, and other GHG savings will receive bonus points. The Innovation Fund Self-check Questionnaire is available to provide an early orientation on project readiness.

    IF Self-Check Questionnaire
    • This questionnaire provides an early, high-level orientation on potential fit and readiness  of project ideas for the Innovation Fund
    • Entirely independent from the official Innovation Fund application and evaluation process
    • Available here
    Link to Call

     

    Innovation Fund: Battery Manufacturing Call – IF24 Battery

    Characteristics of the call
    • Submission Period: December 3, 2024 – April 24, 2025.
    • Available Budget: €1 billion for manufacturing electric vehicle battery cells with innovative technologies or processes.
    • Projects with CAPEX > €2.5M.
    Scope of project

    Manufacturing of electric vehicle battery cells, including the possibility of integrated projects such as upstream component manufacturing or recycling (not exceeding 100% of cell production capacity).

    Eligible Applicants
    • Startups, SMEs, or mid-caps
    • Single applicants or part of a consortium.
    • From any country, provided the project will be implemented in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland.
    • The project must be mature. The project is considered mature if it is ready to be evaluated by investors. The foundation of an Innovation Fund application is the company’s investment project, structured as it would be presented to the CEO, potential investors, or financial institutions.
    Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated based on:

    • Degree of innovation.
    • GHG emission avoidance and reduction in carbon footprint.
    • Project maturity and replicability.
    • Security of supply and countering dependency.
    • Cost efficiency.

     

    Download our Innovation Fund Guide

    If you would like to receive a brief summary of the main points of the Innovation Fund programme, please leave us your email here:
     

    Would you like to know more?

    Innovation Fund Infographic Evolution Europe

    How to Apply to the Innovation Fund?

    1. Start Early: Preparing a competitive application takes time; it’s crucial to begin now to ensure all requirements are met.
    2. Preparation Timeline: Include an additional four to five months for preparation before the submission deadline.
    3. Work with Experts: Evolution Europe offers a comprehensive range of services to streamline the process
      • Grant Application Support:
        • Project diagnostic and viability assessment.
        • Expert grant writing.
        • Facilitation of partner meetings for consortiums.
        • Research on state-of-the-art technologies and market trends.
        • Detailed project planning and document preparation.
      • Information Upload: Submission of all necessary materials via the Funding & Tenders portal.
      • Post-Grant Project Management:
        • Grant preparation and agreement support.
        • Continuous project monitoring, including milestone tracking and reporting.
        • Coordination of progress meetings and stakeholder communications.

    Evolution: Your Strategic Ally for Funding Success.

    At Evolution Europe, we offer expert guidance throughout the Innovation Fund application process, helping you craft compelling proposals and maximize your funding potential. With 20+ years of experience, we’ve supported over 700 R&D projects across 30 countries and secured over €200 million in EU funding. Our proven track record includes specialized support for the Innovation Fund, from grant & application services to post-grant project management.

    Contact us today to start your journey toward securing Innovation Fund funding, or download our free guide to learn more!

     

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