PowerUp NetZero is a European project funded by the SMP–COSME – EUROCLUSTERS program. Its goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of European SMEs by supporting their transformation toward more sustainable, digital, and resilient production models.
The project guides SMEs in the development and adoption of five key Net-Zero technologies, enhancing skills, innovation capacity, and market access:
- Solar Energy
- Batteries and Storage Systems
- Hydrogen
- Biogas and Biomethane
- Carbon Capture and Storage
Additionally, the project aims to support the transformation of business processes, strengthen corporate skills, and stimulate collaboration between industrial and technological players across Europe. Specific attention is dedicated to SME access to financial resources and market opportunities.
The project aims to generate measurable outcomes for participating companies and European innovation ecosystems, including:
- Direct financial support to at least 45 SMEs through European open calls.
- Development of innovative Net-Zero products, services, and processes.
- Upskilling of SMEs in sustainability, digitalization, and innovative business models.
- Activation of industrial collaborations and transnational partnerships between European companies.
- Engagement of SMEs, clusters, and support organizations in capacity building and networking activities.
- Definition of a long-term strategy to ensure the continuity and scalability of Net-Zero initiatives beyond the end of the project.
OUR ROLE
As a partner with technical expertise in ecological transition—specifically regarding the identified Net-Zero Technologies—Environment Park is responsible for identifying the most promising technological challenges and areas for cascade funding and the opportunities that will benefit SMEs.
In addition to Environment Park, the consortium consists of five other European clusters active in the digital and ecological transition sectors: Fondazione Piemonte Innova – Lead Partner (Italy), TECES – Green Tech Cluster (Slovenia), Asociación Cluster de Movilidad y Logística de Euskadi (MLC) (Spain), bwcon research (Germany), ICT Cluster Bulgaria (Bulgaria).
Project Manager
ilaria.schiavi@envipark.com
fabienne.bosc@envipark.com