IF26 SME Call (Innovation Fund SME Call)
From the weekly review: Current funding opportunities for businesses
GoalTo support SME demonstration and later-stage climate innovation projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A new call under the Innovation Fund designed specifically for SMEs with a simplified application process (fewer information requirements, semi-automated GHG emission avoidance calculator, easier reporting and monitoring). The call allows higher risk than standard Innovation Fund calls.
- Who it is for
- SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) according to the definition of EU Recommendation 2003/361, across the EU, including Latvia; participation of consortia is also allowed if all partners meet the SME definition.
- Support amount
- Total budget EUR 200 million; capital expenditure (capex) of a single project EUR 2.5–20 million.
- Deadline
- OngoingClarified this week: planned call publication/opening — 3 December 2026 (still provisional, as the EC official text is not yet published), with an info day on 10 December 2026. First submission deadline — end of March 2027; second submission window opens in April 2027 with a deadline at the end of September 2027. Two independent secondary sources agree on this schedule this week — the contradiction from the previous week between 'December 2026' and '2027' is now explained: December 2026 is the OPENING date of the call, not the submission deadline.
Who can apply
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including micro-enterprises, with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover up to €50 million or a balance sheet total up to €43 million can apply. If applying as a consortium, all consortium members must be SMEs.
What can be paid for
Capital expenditures (capex) between €2.5 million and €20 million
Key conditions
- Project capital expenditures must be between €2.5 million and €20 million
- All consortium members must be SMEs
- Projects must calculate greenhouse gas avoidance using the designated tool
How to apply
Applications are submitted online in two rounds with deadlines at the end of March 2027 and September 2027. During the application phase, 25-minute online orientation dialogues will be available with the European Commission and CINEA.
What this is based on
EU Recommendation 2003/361
This summary is written in plain language from the programme rules. For the exact requirements, see the legal act.
Other programmes from this week
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