Accelerating green innovation in Europe’s most challenging sectors
The EU-funded HARD2SCALE(opens in new window) project has launched its first call for applications, inviting digital and deep-tech start-ups and SMEs to scale their innovative solutions for steel, cement, chemicals and shipping industries across Europe. This is the first of four calls planned for 2026, through which the project intends to help participating start-ups contribute to European industries’ low-carbon transition.
Innovations in demand
The focus is on EU-based start-ups and SMEs developing solutions that can cut emissions, improve efficiency, and transform energy-demanding and hard-to-abate industries. “We’re inviting ambitious start-ups working in Transport, Logistics, Operations, and Construction to apply and take their solutions to the next level,” reports an article(opens in new window) posted on the HARD2SCALE website. “If you’re building technology that can transform these sectors, this is your opportunity to scale faster, connect with industry leaders, and bring your innovation closer to market.” Technologies that HARD2SCALE is looking for should be at near-market readiness and have clear scale-up potential and strong industrial relevance. They should meet real-world operational needs, such as enabling new energy sources without replacing entire assets, retrofitting existing infrastructure, or supporting infrastructure planning and phased deployment. The project is also interested in innovations that improve performance in mission-critical environments, integrate with legacy industrial systems and automate emissions monitoring with built-in compliance. Other priority innovation areas include AI-driven operational optimisation and decision-support tools that de-risk investments. Scalable solutions adaptable across borders and regulatory frameworks are particularly welcome.
What start-ups gain
Selected start-ups will benefit from a structured acceleration programme designed to enhance their investor and market readiness. The programme provides tailored business and technical guidance, open innovation workshops focused on business development and industrial deployment, and matchmaking opportunities with investors, companies and stakeholders interested in disruptive technologies. It also offers access to public funding opportunities at regional, national and EU levels. Investor readiness and fundraising support is also provided, including pitch preparation and financial strategy refinement. Participants will gain exposure to pilot opportunities, technical validation and collaborations with industrial partners – critical steps in transitioning from prototype to scalable, market-ready solutions. The accelerator emphasises cross-border collaboration, enabling start-ups to test and refine their technologies in real-world industrial environments across Europe. For start-ups seeking to scale their impact in heavy industry, HARD2SCALE offers a rare combination of sector-specific expertise, European network access and public funding backing – all without equity exchange. The deadline to apply(opens in new window) is 15 March 2026. The next HARD2SCALE (HARD TO ABATE INDUSTRIES REPOWEREURING DIGITAL & DEEP-TECH STARTUPS TO SCALE IN EUROPE THROUGH CROSS-BORDER ACCELERATION IN LEADING ECOSYSTEMS) open call is scheduled for April–May, with another two following in July–August and October–November. Overall, the project intends to support 40 start-ups in becoming investment-ready and contributing to Europe’s industrial decarbonisation. For more information, please see: HARD2SCALE project website(opens in new window)
