Financing for SMEs and startups to implement Net-Zero technologies

The green and digital transitions are placing increasingly specific demands on small and medium-sized enterprises. For companies, this means the need not only to adapt to new regulations and market expectations, but also to prepare in advance for the implementation of technologies that improve sustainability, resource efficiency and competitiveness.

In this regard, the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry informs enterprises about an open invitation for the project PowerUp NetZero, aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises and startups that plan to implement or improve net-zero emissions technologies.

The invitation PowerUp NetZero Open Call for Business Innovation and Technology Adoption Services provides financial support for services related to the planning of the implementation of Net-Zero technologies. Eligible areas include solar energy, batteries and energy storage systems, hydrogen technologies, sustainable biogas and biomethane, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).

What activities are supported?

The funding is intended for pre-investment services that support enterprises in preparing to implement Net-Zero solutions. Eligible services include technical and economic feasibility studies, technology roadmaps, integration planning and baseline engineering, digital services to support implementation, as well as services related to circularity, sustainability, ESG, compliance, market implementation and scaling.

Supported activities should be related to the adoption or improvement of Net-Zero technologies and solutions, innovations in business processes, integration of digital solutions supporting the green transition, market implementation of applications with zero net emissions and services for the development of innovations.

All proposals must relate to at least one of the five technological areas defined within the project:

• solar energy;
• batteries and energy storage systems;
• hydrogen technologies;
• sustainable biogas and biomethane;
• carbon capture and storage /CCS/.

The funded activities should contribute to the implementation of new technologies for the enterprise in existing operations, to more efficient business processes, higher sustainability, resource efficiency and better readiness for the green and digital transition.

Amount of funding

The total budget of the call is 380,000 euros, with support planned for at least 19 enterprises. Each approved applicant can receive funding of up to 20,000 euros in the form of a lump sum.

Applicants must provide a minimum 20% own co-financing of the total eligible budget of the supported activity. The services and activities funded under the call may last up to 7 months from the signing of the contract.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups registered in a Member State of the European Union or in a country participating in the Single Market Programme. Applicants must have at least one completed and validated financial year.

Only one project proposal per company is allowed under this call. Applicants must also submit a bid from a selected service provider that they plan to use, and the provider cannot be changed during implementation.

Deadline and application

The deadline for submitting project proposals is 30 July 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

The application is made via an online form. The working language of the procedure is English, and the form and accompanying documents should be submitted in English.

Detailed information about the conditions, application guidelines and required documents is published on the official invitation page.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages interested enterprises to familiarize themselves in detail with the terms of the invitation and to evaluate the possibilities for using the support in preparing for the implementation of Net-Zero technologies and solutions.