HEDGE-IoT Open Call for SMEs and Innovators
Empower SMEs and innovators to develop IoT-enabled energy solutions that enhance smart energy management and grid intelligence through advanced AI and digital frameworks.
The HEDGE-IoT Open Call for SMEs and Innovators is inviting proposals from small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups to enhance IoT ecosystems for smart energy management. The initiative aims to leverage advanced AI/ML tools and IoT assets for improved energy efficiency, grid flexibility, and secure data transactions.
Type of projects to be funded: Projects should focus on developing data-driven services running at the edge and/or cloud, addressing challenges like optimising energy demand and response, enhancing grid flexibility, and securing IoT-driven energy data.
Sectors / domain: Energy management and IoT ecosystems.
Individual or consortium: The call targets individual SMEs or start-ups.
Specific eligibility requirements: Eligible applicants are profit-making SMEs or start-ups registered in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries. Proposals must be submitted in English, and there should be no conflict of interest with HEDGE-IoT consortium partners.
Specific topics or challenges: Proposals should address challenges such as energy demand optimisation, grid flexibility, real-time predictive management, and secure IoT data transactions.
Projects duration: The project duration for the first open call is from February 2026 to July 2026, with potential extensions until October 2026 for specific use cases.
Budget, funding rates and payment conditions:
Funding rate: 70% of eligible costs
Budget conditions / limitations: Up to €60,000 per project, covering personnel, travel, consumables, equipment, subcontracting, and overhead costs
Payments: Structured as 25% pre-financing at project start, 45% after a successful mid-term review, and 30% upon approval of final deliverables
Key dates:
- Open Call 1 applications: July 2025 - October 2025
- Project execution: February 2026 - July 2026 (potentially October 2026).
Links
Closes
24/10/2025
Max funding per project
60.000€