Article written by Emanuela Modoran – External Relations Expert & EEN Advisor, Măgurele Science Park Association
1. EEN supports SMEs in identifying suitable funding opportunities
Cascade funding programmes are becoming increasingly accessible and practical for SMEs, start-ups, technology providers, and innovation ecosystem actors aiming to test, validate, adopt, or scale innovative solutions. These mechanisms offer simplified procedures and faster implementation timelines compared to traditional European funding programmes.
Current open calls directly support the green and digital transition across strategic domains such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, green technologies, energy systems, circular economy, agri-food innovation, and industrial digitalization.
In this context, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) plays a key role in facilitating SME access to these opportunities. EEN supports companies in identifying relevant calls, assessing eligibility and technological fit, refining project concepts, identifying international partners, strengthening innovation positioning, and improving proposal quality.
In addition, EEN provides access to complementary services such as innovation management, internationalization, technology transfer, matchmaking, and connection to broader European funding opportunities, helping transform ideas into viable and scalable projects.
2. Examples of ongoing cascade funding opportunities
A. PowerUp NetZero – Innovation services and technology adoption
This call supports SMEs and start-ups in adopting net-zero technologies through external innovation services, feasibility studies, implementation roadmaps, and ESG support, accelerating the green and digital transition.
- Budget: up to €20,000 per project
- Funding rate: 80%
- Duration: up to 7 months
- Deadline: 30/07/2026
- Focus areas: solar energy, energy storage, hydrogen, biogas, carbon capture and storage
B. COSMIC – Open Call #2 AI & Data for the Green Transition
This call funds the development and validation of AI- and data-driven solutions for energy resource optimization, integrated into large-scale European pilot projects.
- Budget: up to €150,000 (lump sum)
- Funding rate: up to 70% (100% for non-profit entities)
- Duration: 10 months
- TRL: 3 → 6–7
- Deadline: 20/07/2026
C. Green Grid – Growth Box Open Call
This programme supports the validation, piloting, and scaling of mature cleantech and energy solutions in real operational environments in collaboration with challenge owners.
- Budget: up to €50,000 per project
- Funding rate: 80%
- Duration: up to 6 months
- TRL: 5–8
- Deadline: 07/07/2026
D. CIRCAT – Open Call #1 for penetration testing scenarios
This call funds the development of penetration testing scenarios and cybersecurity risk analyses for critical infrastructure sectors across Europe.
- Budget: up to €40,000 per project
- Co-financing: minimum 50%
- Duration: 6 months
- Deadline: 09/07/2026
E. GRAPPA Innovation Open Call
This programme supports the development and commercialization of products and technologies based on upcycling agro-food biomass, contributing to circular economy objectives.
- Budget: up to €60,000 per SME (€90,000 for consortia)
- Funding rate: 85%
- Duration: up to 12 months
- TRL: minimum 6
- Deadline: 20/10/2026
F. RESISTS II – Product Innovation Open Call
This call funds innovative products and services in mobility and automotive ecosystems, supporting sustainability and digital transformation.
- Budget: up to €20,000 (single SME) / €30,000 per SME in consortia
- Funding rate: 90%
- Duration: up to 9 months
- Deadline: 16/07/2026
3. EEN – a partner for innovation, internationalization and access to funding
Beyond grant funding, cascade funding programmes represent a strategic opportunity for SMEs in terms of technology validation, market entry, innovation capacity building, and preparation for large-scale European programmes such as Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator, Digital Europe or LIFE.
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) provides end-to-end support throughout the innovation journey — from opportunity identification and proposal development to international matchmaking, exploitation planning, technology transfer and scaling strategies.
Through its extensive European network and dedicated expertise in SME support, EEN helps transform innovative ideas into concrete business opportunities, accelerating the green and digital transition while strengthening competitiveness in European and global markets.
#EENcanHelp #fundingopportunities
