HEDGE-IoT Open Call for SMEs and Innovators
HEDGE-IoT Open Calls are designed to empower SMEs and startups by providing financial support and resources to develop innovative, IoT-enabled, data-driven energy services within the HEDGE-IoT framework. Through the two open calls, selected third parties will have the opportunity to contribute to the project’s technological advancements and validate their solutions in real-world demonstrators.
Open Call 1 - CLOSED
HEDGE-IoT Open Call 1 was open from 22 July 2025 to 24 October 2025 and attracted significant interest from the European innovation ecosystem, receiving 147 applications from 30 Horizon Europe-associated countries.
The call aims to fund up to 12 third-party projects developing innovative data-driven energy services. Through a cascade-funding mechanism, selected SMEs and startups will:
- Leverage HEDGE-IoT’s distributed digital solutions;
- Demonstrate the interoperability and scalability of their innovations;
- Contribute to advancing energy consumer services and Europe’s energy transition.
A total of €700,000 has been allocated to Open Call 1, with funding of up to €60,000 per selected project.
The evaluation process is currently underway. Applications are being assessed based on excellence, impact, technical quality, and implementation feasibility. Successful applicants will be notified following the completion of the evaluation phase and will subsequently join the HEDGE-IoT ecosystem to validate their solutions in real-world demonstration environments.
The Open Call process follows a structured approach to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency:
1
Preparation & Publication
- Guidelines and templates can be found in “Important Documents” section in this page.
- Open Call details will be disseminated widely.
2
Application & Selection
- Proposals will be evaluated based on technical excellence, innovation potential, and alignment with HEDGE-IoT goals.
- An impartial panel will assess submissions.
3
Implementation & Support
- Selected applicants will receive funding and mentorship.
- Services developed will be integrated into the HEDGE-IoT framework.
4
Evaluation & Sustainability
- Progress will be monitored to ensure objectives are met.
- Solutions will be assessed for long-term viability.
Financial Support & Funding Rules
Up to
€60,000
per third party.
70% of
eligible costs
covered.
Up to
25% pre-financing,
with further payments tied to milestones and deliverables.
Maximum
20% of the budget
may be allocated to equipment and consumables.
The financial support will be granted under a standard contract, ensuring:
- Compliance with EU funding rules.
- Protection of intellectual property rights.
- Transparency in payment and reporting mechanisms.
Evaluation Criteria
Each proposal will be assessed based on the following principles:
Excellence
Innovative, high-quality proposals aligned with the Open Call objectives.
Impact
Contribution to strengthening SMEs’ market position and improving energy consumer services.
Technical Quality
Well-defined use cases, integration strategies, and implementation plans.
Work Plan
Feasibility
Clear objectives,
risk management, and resource allocation