NACHIP - OC#2
Funding SMEs to test, validate and demonstrate market-ready hydrogen technologies at TRL >7 that complement NACHIP pilots and strengthen hydrogen value chains across energy, manufacturing, mobility and urban applications.
TYPE OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED: Sub-projects testing, validating and demonstrating innovative hydrogen technologies at TRL >7 in real-life environments, complementing the NACHIP pilot actions and supporting progression towards market readiness. Funded activities may include prototype development, trial and testing activities, acquisition and testing of materials, integration into existing infrastructure and NACHIP pilots, demonstration in real or operational environments, safety mechanisms, deployment standardisation, market and cost analysis, specialised services, and exploitation in new application sectors.
SECTORS / DOMAIN: Hydrogen technologies and value chains, particularly renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production, storage, transport, distribution and utilisation across manufacturing, urban and mobility applications.
INDIVIDUAL OR CONSORTIUM: SMEs may apply individually or in consortia of up to 3 SMEs. In the case of a consortium, all members must qualify as SMEs.
SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must qualify as SMEs, demonstrate financial stability and be legally established at the time of application in one of the eligible regions listed in the call. Eligible territories include specified regions in Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, together with eligible regions in Portugal, Spain, Belgium, France, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Czechia, Lithuania and Latvia.
SPECIFIC TOPICS OR CHALLENGES: Projects must contribute to NACHIP objectives and complement its pilot activities through one or more of 3 intervention areas: Input – innovative chemicals or materials for pilot testing; Process – solutions optimising hydrogen-related processes used in the NACHIP pilots; and Output – technologies complementing NACHIP value chains in mobility, urban and manufacturing sectors. Solutions should address practical challenges related to hydrogen production, storage, transport, utilisation, safety, integration, interoperability and deployment.
PROJECTS DURATION: Maximum 6 months. Applications proposing a longer duration are not eligible.
BUDGET, FUNDING RATES AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
Funding rate: 100% of the sub-project costs specified in the application form.
Budget conditions / limitations: The total budget available for the 2nd Open Call is €560,000. Each applicant entity may receive up to €60,000. A consortium of 3 SMEs may therefore receive up to €180,000 in total, with a maximum of €60,000 per consortium member. Funding is provided as a lump sum.
Payments: The lump sum is paid in 2 instalments: 50% at the beginning of the sub-project after signature of the contract, and 50% at the end of the sub-project following assessment of the activities performed. The final payment may be withheld where implementation deviates from the agreed action plan or expected results are not achieved.
Links
Closes
09/11/2026
Max funding per project
180.000€