Open call #1 NZT-Demo Projects
The NZT Demo Projects Open Call #1 offers companies the opportunity to receive funding for demonstrating innovative net-zero technologies in real industrial environments.
This initiative, implemented במסגרת the JEWEL project, supports projects that help reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable manufacturing in Europe.
The programme supports projects that:
demonstrate net-zero technologies in real-world environments;
contribute to industrial decarbonisation;
are close to market deployment (TRL 5–8 → 7–8);
generate measurable environmental and economic impact.
Funding
Total Open Call budget: €540,000
Maximum grant per project: €54,000
Funding intensity: up to 90%
Private co-financing: at least 10%
Minimum project budget: €60,000
Maximum project duration: 9 months
Funding is provided as a lump-sum payment:
40% at project start
60% upon achievement of results
Timeline
Opening date: 1 April
Application deadline: 1 June, 17:00 CET
Notification of results: early July
Grant agreement signature: 6 July – 31 August
Project start: by 1 September 2026
Project duration: up to 9 months
Who can apply
At least 2 SMEs,
From 2 different regions (NUTS2),
Independent legal entities.
SMEs may participate as:
technology developers,
manufacturing companies (end-users).
What can be funded?
Projects must include:
demonstration of technologies in an industrial environment,
pilot projects and testing,
process optimisation and digitalisation (AI, IoT, etc.),
improvements in energy efficiency,
circular economy solutions.
Technology areas
Projects must cover at least one of the following:
Battery and energy storage technologies
Hydrogen technologies, including electrolysers and fuel cells
Electricity grid technologies
Transformative industrial technologies for decarbonisation (including Renewable energy
technologies)
Target sectors
Projects must address one or more of the following ecosystems:
Energy-Intensive Industries
Mobility-Transport-Automotive
Aerospace & Defence
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated (max. 60 points):
Innovation
alignment with EU and JEWEL priorities,
level of innovation,
technological readiness.
Impact
emission reduction,
market potential,
social impact.
Implementation
work plan,
budget,
risk management,
team quality.
Minimum thresholds:
12/20 in each category,
36/60 overall.
Why participate?
receive funding of up to €54,000,
demonstrate your technology in a real environment,
develop collaboration at the European level,
prepare your solution for market entry.
How to apply?
- Prepare your project concept (TRL, impact, business model),
- Build a consortium (at least 2 SMEs),
- Submit your application via the JEWEL platform,
- Await evaluation and results.
About JEWEL
The JEWEL project supports European manufacturing companies, especially SMEs, to:
implement net-zero technologies,
foster innovation,
strengthen competitiveness and sustainability.
Apply
If you are developing:
green technologies,
industrial solutions,
energy-efficient innovations,
The NZT Demo Projects Open Call is your opportunity to move from idea to real implementation.
Get in touch or request a consultation: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/JEWEL_ADHOCHELPDESK
Detailed eligibility criteria are available in the Guide for Applicants.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can
be held responsible for them.