EU Innovation Fund: What It Is and How to Apply
The EU Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes dedicated to the deployment of innovative low-carbon and net-zero technologies. Managed by CINEA on behalf of the European Commission, the Innovation Fund is financed through revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and plays a key role in supporting Europe’s climate neutrality objectives.
What is the EU Innovation Fund?
The EU Innovation Fund supports the demonstration and scale-up of highly innovative technologies that deliver substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. It focuses on near-market projects that still face technological, financial or regulatory risks, helping to bridge the gap between innovation and full commercial deployment while strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness.
Who can apply to the EU Innovation Fund?
The programme is open to companies and consortia established in EU Member States, as well as in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Typical applicants include industrial companies, energy producers, technology providers, project developers and infrastructure operators with mature, investment-ready projects seeking large-scale EU funding support.
Which projects are eligible under the Innovation Fund?
Potential project areas include:
Energy-intensive industries
Renewable energy
Energy storage
Renewable and low-carbon hydrogen
Carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS)
Clean mobility
Net-zero manufacturing technologies
Eligible Innovation Fund projects must demonstrate a high level of innovation, a significant and measurable impact on greenhouse gas emission reductions, and strong technical and financial maturity. Supported sectors include energy-intensive industries, renewable energy, energy storage, hydrogen, industrial heat, carbon capture and use, clean mobility and net-zero manufacturing technologies.
How to apply to the EU Innovation Fund?
Applying to the EU Innovation Fund is a highly competitive process that requires rigorous technical, financial and regulatory preparation.
Applications are submitted through the European Funding & Tenders Portal, under specific calls for proposals or competitive auctions. The application process requires a detailed project description, quantified emission reduction calculations, a robust business case and clear evidence of project maturity. Projects are assessed based on innovation, climate impact, scalability and cost efficiency.
Consultancy support to access the EU Innovation Fund
At Anthylis Consulting, we support companies throughout the entire Innovation Fund application process — from the initial eligibility assessment and selection of the most suitable call to proposal preparation, emissions modelling and submission management. Our approach combines technical, financial and regulatory expertise to maximise the chances of success in this highly competitive EU funding programme.