HEDGE-IoT Open Call for SMEs and Innovators

HEDGE-IoT Open Call is 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 this open call, selected third parties will have the opportunity to contribute to the project’s technological advancements and validate their solutions in real-world demonstrators.

About the Open Call

HEDGE-IoT will fund up to 30 successful applications to develop data-driven energy services. The Open Call will run in two waves, fostering innovation through a cascade-funding mechanism.
By participating, SMEs and innovators will:

Leverage HEDGE-IoT’s distributed digital solutions.
Prove the interoperability and scalability of their solutions.
Contribute to advancing energy consumer services and the EU’s energy transition.

A total of €1,700,000 has been allocated for financial support, with a maximum funding of €60,000 per third party.

How It Works

The Open Call process follows a structured approach to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency:

Preparation & Publication

Clear guidelines, evaluation criteria, and templates will be provided.
Open Call details will be disseminated widely.

Application & Selection

Proposals will be evaluated based on technical excellence, innovation potential, and alignment with HEDGE-IoT goals.
An impartial panel will assess submissions.

Implementation & Support

Selected applicants will receive funding and mentorship.
Services developed will be integrated into the HEDGE-IoT framework.

Evaluation & Sustainability

Progress will be monitored to ensure objectives are met.
Solutions will be assessed for long-term viability.

Eligibility and Project Types

Who can apply?

SMEs and startups legally established in Horizon Europe participating countries.
Entities developing IoT-enabled, data-driven energy services.

What types of projects are supported?

Horizontal projects: Enhancing HEDGE-IoT’s framework, tools, and services.
Vertical projects: Advancing real-world energy consumer applications and validation scenarios.

Technical Definition of the Call

Applicants must address clearly defined technical requirements linked to real-world business cases, leveraging the HEDGE-IoT framework. The Open Calls specifically aims to enable third parties, particularly SMEs, to use the solutions developed within HEDGE-IoT as a foundation to build their innovative data-driven energy services targeting energy consumers. The technical focus is structured around five main topics:

·       Edge-Cloud Enabled Grid Optimization & Flexibility Management
·       AI-Driven Energy Flexibility & Market Operations
·       Secure & Interoperable Digital Energy Platforms
·       Cybersecurity & Trust in Digital Energy Platforms
·       Distributed Energy Resources (DER) & Smart Energy Communities

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