NACHIP- Open Call for SMEs
Funding support for SMEs innovating in hydrogen technologies across the hydrogen value chain in the North Adriatic region.
Type of projects to be funded: The call supports hydrogen innovation projects with strong potential in production, storage, transport, safety, digital optimisation, and related services. Projects must align with the NACHIP pilot regions and address technical/operational deployment challenges in the hydrogen value chain. Lump-sum funding supports prototype development, testing, and demonstration.
Sectors / domain: Hydrogen technologies — including hydrogen production, storage and distribution, safety and certification, component supply, engineering, and digital services.
Individual or consortium: Both individual SMEs and consortia of up to three SMEs are eligible. No individual SME may receive more than €60,000.
Specific eligibility requirements: Applicants must:
Be SMEs established in one of the eligible EU regions (listed in the official documentation).
Propose activities linked to the NACHIP pilot areas: Slovenia (Velenje), Italy (Udine, Torviscosa), and Croatia (Zagreb).
Be legally established and demonstrate capacity to carry out the project.
Specific topics or challenges: Projects must be relevant to hydrogen deployment and may address:
Hydrogen use/storage in transport
Composite fibre and winding processes
Catalyst durability, compact systems, DHR design
Building renovation linked to hydrogen integration
Decision support tools and component assessments
Projects duration: Maximum of 6 months
Budget, funding rates and payment conditions:
Funding rate: 100% (lump-sum)
Budget conditions / limitations:
€60,000 per SME (maximum)
€180,000 for consortia of up to 3 SMEs
Payments: Lump-sum grant with simplified reporting; two payments will be disbursed. The 1st after the signature of the project (30%) and the 2nd by the end of the project.
Links
Closes
03/02/2026
Max funding per project
60.000€