H2SHIFT opens first European call to accelerate hydrogen innovation
Applications are now open for the first Open Call of H2SHIFT, a new European initiative created to support startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are building innovative solutions across the emerging hydrogen economy. The program aims to close critical gaps between laboratory breakthroughs and commercial deployment, helping young companies turn promising hydrogen technologies into scalable businesses.
What is H2SHIFT and why it matters for Europe
H2SHIFT is positioned as a strategic instrument within the wider European push to decarbonise industry, transport and energy systems. While details of the full consortium are still being rolled out, the initiative is aligned with the European Union’s ambition to make clean hydrogen a central pillar of its net-zero strategy and industrial competitiveness.
Across Europe, demand for low-carbon hydrogen is expected to surge in sectors such as steelmaking, chemicals, heavy-duty transport, shipping and long-duration energy storage. Yet many of the enabling technologies – from electrolyser innovations and hydrogen storage solutions to new fuel cell architectures and digital optimisation tools – remain at an early stage of commercialization.
By focusing specifically on startups and SMEs, H2SHIFT is designed to accelerate this transition, channeling support to agile innovators who can respond quickly to market needs, regulatory shifts and technological opportunities.
Focus of the first Open Call
The first Open Call targets companies that are developing technologies, products or services across the full hydrogen value chain. While the initiative will publish precise eligibility criteria and thematic priorities, the call is expected to welcome proposals in areas such as:
- Advanced green hydrogen production, including high-efficiency electrolysers and novel materials
- Innovative hydrogen storage and distribution concepts, from compressed and liquid hydrogen to solid-state and carrier-based solutions
- Next-generation fuel cells for mobility, stationary power and industrial applications
- Digital platforms and AI-driven optimisation tools for hydrogen systems, including forecasting, asset management and grid integration
- Safety, monitoring and hydrogen infrastructure inspection technologies
- Business model innovation for hydrogen mobility, refuelling networks and industrial offtake contracts
Projects that demonstrate clear climate impact, strong scalability and a credible pathway to market are expected to be prioritised. The Open Call is particularly relevant for teams that have moved beyond pure research and are now working on pilots, demonstrators or early commercial deployments.
What selected startups and SMEs can expect
Although the full support package may vary by project, H2SHIFT is structured to provide more than just funding. Selected companies can typically expect a blend of financial and non-financial backing designed to de-risk growth and accelerate market entry.
Funding and technical support
The Open Call is expected to offer competitive grants or innovation vouchers that can be used for technology validation, prototyping, certification and early-stage deployment. This support is especially valuable in the hydrogen sector, where capital intensity and regulatory complexity often slow down commercialization.
In addition, participants may gain access to expert mentoring, technical advisory services and connections to research institutions, test facilities and demonstration sites. This ecosystem approach helps startups refine their technology, validate performance and align with European safety and standards.
Business acceleration and market access
Beyond technology, H2SHIFT aims to strengthen the business foundations of participating companies. This can include tailored support on:
- Go-to-market strategies for hydrogen solutions in different European regions
- Regulatory and permitting pathways for industrial and infrastructure projects
- Partnership building with utilities, industrial offtakers and mobility operators
- Investor readiness, including pitch refinement and financial modelling
By connecting startups and SMEs with established industry players, the initiative aims to unlock pilot opportunities, framework agreements and long-term collaborations that can turn prototypes into viable businesses.
Who should apply to the H2SHIFT Open Call
The first Open Call is aimed at European-based startups and SMEs working on innovative hydrogen-related solutions. Ideal applicants are companies that:
- Are legally established in an eligible European country
- Have a clear technological or business innovation within the hydrogen value chain
- Can demonstrate initial traction, such as lab validation, pilot results or early customers
- Seek support to scale, industrialise or commercialise their solution across Europe
Teams at pre-seed, seed or early growth stages may all find value in the program, provided they can articulate a realistic roadmap and measurable impact on decarbonisation and energy transition goals.
How and when to apply
Applications for the first H2SHIFT Open Call are now officially open. Interested startups and SMEs should prepare a concise proposal outlining their technology, business model, team, implementation plan and expected impact. Supporting documents may include pitch decks, technical descriptions, proof-of-concept results and letters of intent from potential partners or customers.
Submissions must be made through the program’s dedicated online portal, where applicants can also find detailed guidelines, evaluation criteria and deadlines. Companies are encouraged to start early, as preparing a robust application – particularly for complex hydrogen technologies – often requires coordination across technical, financial and regulatory teams.
A strategic opportunity for Europe’s hydrogen pioneers
The launch of the first H2SHIFT Open Call sends a clear signal that Europe is doubling down on its commitment to a competitive, innovation-driven hydrogen economy. For founders and innovators, it represents a timely opportunity to secure resources, visibility and partnerships in a market that is moving rapidly from vision to implementation.
As governments, corporates and investors increase their focus on clean hydrogen, initiatives like H2SHIFT can play a decisive role in determining which technologies and business models reach scale. Startups and SMEs that are ready to step up from the lab to the marketplace now have a new European platform to support that journey.