Changes to the Innovation Fund: new grant opportunities for SMEs and the maritime sector
Several changes are being made within the Innovation Fund programme. In addition to the familiar broad calls and auctions, the European Commission is introducing two new calls. An IF26 SME Call will be introduced, followed by a dedicated call for the maritime sector in 2027. These changes will make the Innovation Fund more accessible to different types of projects and target groups. They will also create new opportunities for organisations developing innovative technologies to decarbonise European industry and mobility. At the end of the year, in December 2026, calls and auctions are expected to be launched for Net-Zero Technologies, industrial heat and hydrogen.
What do the changes to the Innovation Fund mean?
The Innovation Fund is an important European funding instrument for the development and scale-up of innovative low-carbon technologies. In recent years, the scope of the fund has already been expanded to include new sectors and competitive auctions. The programme is now being expanded further. The schedule for the coming period is as follows:
- IF26 Net-Zero Technologies Call: expected to open in December 2026, with an anticipated deadline in April 2027.
- IF26 SME Call: a new, separate IF26 call for small-scale projects by SMEs, expected to open in December 2026.
- IF Maritime Call: a new Innovation Fund call specifically for the maritime sector will follow in 2027. The budget and precise scope have yet to be determined.
- IF26 Industrial Heat Auction: opens in December 2026 with a budget of €1 billion.
- IF26 Hydrogen Auction: the fourth Hydrogen Auction will also be launched in December 2026, with a budget of up to €500 million.
New SME Call makes the Innovation Fund more accessible to SMEs
An important change to the Innovation Fund programme is the introduction of a separate IF26 SME Call. This call is specifically aimed at small-scale projects by SMEs and is intended to simplify access to the Innovation Fund.
To achieve this, the European Commission is introducing fewer information requirements, a simplified calculation of greenhouse gas emission reductions, more pass/fail criteria and lighter reporting and monitoring requirements. There will also be two cut-off dates per year.
On 13 October 2026, the European Commission will organise a webinar providing further information about the new SME Call.
New Maritime Call to support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector
The maritime sector will also gain a dedicated place within the Innovation Fund. The European Commission has announced that it will launch a Maritime Call in 2027. The exact conditions, scope and available budget have not yet been finalised.
The dedicated Maritime Call is expected to create new opportunities for innovative projects that contribute to the decarbonisation of shipping. Its introduction is part of the broader expansion of the Innovation Fund, under which the maritime sector was explicitly brought within the scope of the fund following the revision of the EU ETS.
A strong application starts with the right expertise
The new structure of the Innovation Fund creates more opportunities. At the same time, it is important to carefully assess which call or auction is the best fit for your project to increase your chances of success.
Our specialists have extensive knowledge of and experience with the Innovation Fund programme. During the most recent application round, they supported no fewer than seven Innovation Fund projects, ranging from large-scale industrial decarbonisation to smaller-scale innovation projects.
One of these projects was for BioCirc, a Danish circular energy company that uses residual agricultural streams as feedstock for renewable energy. By combining practical experience with extensive sector knowledge, our specialists can provide comprehensive support throughout your Innovation Fund application.
Support with your Innovation Fund application?
Would you like to know what opportunities the new Innovation Fund structure could offer your organisation? Contact us via info@hezelburcht.com or call 088 495 20 00 to arrange an introduction and explore which call is the best fit for your project. You can also fill in the contact form.
