Innovation Fund
Open-call snapshot checked 2026-04-18
The Innovation Fund is one of the world's largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. It is financed by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System and backs first-of-a-kind clean technology at commercial scale.
What the Innovation Fund supports
The Innovation Fund targets the gap between a proven pilot and a full commercial plant. It supports the demonstration of innovative technologies in energy-intensive industries, renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture, use and storage, and increasingly clean manufacturing and net-zero technologies.
Calls distinguish between large-scale projects and smaller-scale projects, so a company does not need a billion-euro plant to be eligible.
Who is eligible
Projects can be located in EU member states and certain other participating countries. Applicants are typically companies — from large industrial groups to scale-ups — proposing a specific project at a specific site.
Because the fund backs near-commercial deployment, applicants are expected to show a credible business case, financial close prospects, and a technology that is innovative but ready to be built.
How it differs from research grants
The Innovation Fund is not a research instrument. It funds building and operating innovative installations, not lab work. Earlier-stage clean technology is better suited to Horizon Europe, with the Innovation Fund as the route once the technology is ready for first-of-a-kind deployment.
Open Innovation Fund calls
These Innovation Fund calls are open in the current index snapshot, soonest deadline first. fundingme.eu tracks the EU Funding & Tenders Portal continuously — run a free match to see everything open today and how your company fits.
No Innovation Fund calls appear in the current index snapshot. Calls open and close throughout the year — run a free match to check what is live today.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Innovation Fund's money come from?
The Innovation Fund is financed by revenues raised through the EU Emissions Trading System, rather than from the general EU budget. This gives it substantial resources for clean-technology demonstration.
Does the Innovation Fund only fund huge projects?
No. Calls separate large-scale projects from small-scale ones, so scale-ups and mid-sized industrial projects can apply without competing directly against the very largest plants.
What technology readiness does the Innovation Fund expect?
It expects technology that is innovative but close to commercial deployment — a first-of-a-kind installation rather than a research prototype. Earlier-stage work fits Horizon Europe better.