EU Innovation Fund
Supports innovative projects for emission reduction in Europe
The Innovation Fund is dedicated to supporting highly innovative projects that significantly reduce emissions across Europe. It aims to finance projects in various sectors, including energy-intensive industries, carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), carbon capture and storage (CCS), renewable energy, and energy storage. New sectors include net zero mobility (maritime, aviation, road transport) and buildings.
The Fund awards grants through calls for proposals and competitive bidding procedures, offering flexible financing aligned with project needs. It also supports blending operations through the InvestEU Programme and provides Project Development Assistance (PDA) with technical and financial advisory.
How to apply
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding and Tenders portal. Regular calls for project proposals are held from 2020 to 2030. Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as effectiveness in emissions avoidance, innovation, maturity, replicability, and cost efficiency.
Eligibility
Projects must be highly innovative and capable of significant emission reductions. They should be mature in planning, business model, and financial and legal structure. Eligible projects can apply for regular grants or through competitive bidding, with specific criteria for each call.
Eligible sectors
- Energy
- Transport
- Industry