PowerBoost – unlock energy related challenges

PowerBoost is a cascade funding open call managed by the GreenGrid Eurocluster (EISMEA) offering €2,000 lump-sum reimbursements to individual SMEs to conduct an innovation audit addressing green and digital energy transition challenges, with a total call budget of €100,000. Eligible applicants are SMEs established for at least one year in EU Member States, EEA countries, or countries associated with the Single Market Programme and must produce a Challenge Description Report using the GreenGrid template. Applications are submitted via the EU Survey platform with a Declaration of Honour signed using a qualified electronic signature; cut-off deadlines are 3 April 2026 and 31 August 2027 and the final report must be submitted no later than 31 October 2027. Each eligible application is evaluated by two independent experts, must score at least 12/15 for funding consideration, and awards are allocated sequentially until the budget is exhausted.

What it funds

Scope and output required

Reimbursement of a single eligible activity:an innovation audit for an SME focused on grid flexibility, sustainability and digitalisation in the energy sector. The audit must produce a Challenge Description Report using the GreenGrid template; approval of that report triggers payment.

Grant per beneficiary:Lump sum €2 000 paid as reimbursement after submission and approval of the Challenge Description Report.

Total PowerBoost budget available:€100 000. Completing the Challenge Description Report is a prerequisite to apply later to the separate Solution Box open call (expected Q3 2026) which may offer up to €30 000 for pilots.

Who can apply

Eligibility highlights

Open to organisations that qualify as SMEs under the European Commission definition and that have been legally established for at least 1 year prior to submission. Applicants must submit a signed Declaration of Honour with a qualified electronic signature.

Applications that do not meet the SME definition or the 1 year establishment requirement will be deemed ineligible ¹.

How to apply and selection

Apply via the EU Survey Platform; the application link is available at greengridcluster.eu. Required annexes and the Declaration of Honour must be uploaded. Each eligible application is evaluated by independent experts and must score at least 12/15 to be funded. Funding is allocated by ranking until the budget is exhausted.

1. 1Submit via EU Survey Platform (link on greengridcluster.eu) with signed Declaration of Honour
2. 2Eligible applicants assessed by 2 independent evaluators; minimum score 12/15
3. 3Payment reimbursed after approval of Challenge Description Report; report deadline no later than 31 October 2027

Footnotes

1. 1SME definition and self-assessment tool are available from the European Commission: SME definition.

PowerBoost is a cascade funding open call under the Green Grid Europe:Eurocluster for Renewable Energy Growth initiative. It supports SMEs with a lump-sum grant to execute a focused innovation audit aimed at identifying challenges and opportunities for grid flexibility, sustainability, and digitalisation in the energy sector. The audit must culminate in a Challenge Description Report prepared using the official GreenGrid template and is a prerequisite to apply later for the Solution Box Open Call(s), which will fund piloting/validation activities.

Programme and managing entity:Implemented by Green Grid under the Single Market Programme SMP-COSME - Joint Cluster Initiatives (EUROCLUSTERS) for Europe’s recovery; cascade funding model; EU grant agreement number 101236890. Project acronym: Green Grid.

Key Facts

Scope and Activities

Only one eligible activity is funded:implementation of an innovation audit focused on the applicant SME’s energy use, grid flexibility potential, sustainability performance, and digitalisation readiness in the energy sector. The audit should map current processes and technologies, identify operational gaps, and define priority areas where innovation or adoption of new technologies can improve efficiency, flexibility, or integration with renewable energy systems. The audit must result in a Challenge Description Report prepared with the official GreenGrid template.

Submission and Evaluation Process

Applications are submitted via the EU Survey Platform, accessible through the GreenGrid website. Applicants must complete all required fields, attach all annexes, and upload a Declaration of Honour signed with a qualified electronic signature valid as per the European Commission DSS Demonstration validation. Late or incomplete applications, or applications failing eligibility criteria, are ineligible.

1. 1Step 1. Administrative and Eligibility Check: Verification of timely submission via official online form; completeness of fields and annexes; SME status in line with the European Commission SME definition; legal entity established at least 1 year before submission; Declaration of Honour signed with a qualified electronic signature validated as per the DSS Demonstration WebApp.
2. 2Step 2. Evaluation by Independent Experts: Each eligible application assessed by 2 independent evaluators with relevant expertise, under confidentiality and conflict-of-interest declarations. Scoring follows the Open Call evaluation criteria (Chapter 7). Each criterion is scored 1–5 points; maximum total score 15 points; minimum funding threshold 12 points. No post-deadline or external-link information is considered.
3. 3Step 3. Ranking and Selection: Applications meeting or exceeding 12 points are ranked by final consensus score, then by date and time of submission. Funding is allocated sequentially until the PowerBoost budget is exhausted.
4. 4Step 4. Approval and Contracting: Selected applicants receive notification and the Sub-Grant Agreement for e-signature. The €2,000 lump-sum is paid as reimbursement after submission and approval of the Challenge Description Report. The report submission date is agreed between Coordinator and Beneficiary but must be no later than 31 October 2027.
5. 5Step 5. Feedback to Unsuccessful Applicants: All applicants receive an Evaluation Summary Report with score and brief evaluator feedback. Appeals on procedural errors may be submitted as per Chapter 9 (Appealing Procedure) of the Open Call documentation.
6. 6Step 6. Right to Withdraw: Applicants may withdraw any time before signing the Sub-Grant Agreement by emailing the GreenGrid Call Manager with subject line Withdrawal – PowerBoost Open Call. Post-approval withdrawal terminates contracting without further obligations for either party.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Applicant type: SMEs only, as per the European Commission SME definition. See SME definition resources and self-assessment tool on the European Commission website.
• Legal status: Applicant legal entity must have been established at least 1 year prior to the submission date.
• Documentation: Declaration of Honour must be completed using the official template and duly signed with a qualified electronic signature valid under European Commission DSS validation.
• Activity restriction: Only the innovation audit leading to a Challenge Description Report is eligible.
• Deliverable: Challenge Description Report must use the official GreenGrid template.
• Geographic scope: The text provided does not explicitly state territorial eligibility. As a Euroclusters cascade funding action under the Single Market Programme, eligibility commonly targets SMEs established in EU Member States and possibly associated countries. Applicants must verify exact geographic eligibility in the official Call Guidelines.

Financials and Support Modality

Funding is provided as a lump-sum grant of €2,000 per SME to reimburse implementation of the innovation audit after approval of the resulting Challenge Description Report. There is no stated co-funding percentage; however, beneficiaries must pre-finance the audit and are reimbursed upon approval.

Evaluation and Scoring

Two independent experts evaluate each eligible application. Scoring:criteria scored 1 to 5 points; maximum total 15 points. Minimum threshold for funding is 12 points. Applications are ranked by consensus score and submission timestamp, and funded until budget exhaustion. Detailed criteria are set out in Chapter 7 of the Open Call documentation (not included in the provided text).

Deliverables and Timing

• Challenge Description Report: Mandatory outcome of the innovation audit; must use the official GreenGrid template.
• Submission of the final report must occur no later than 31 October 2027.
• Expected duration of participation: 2–3 months from contracting to deliverable approval.

Administrative Notes

• Submission platform: EU Survey via greengridcluster.eu
• Signature validity: Declarations must be signed with a qualified electronic signature and validated as per the European Commission DSS Demonstration WebApp.
• Feedback and appeal: All applicants receive an Evaluation Summary Report; procedural appeals possible as per Chapter 9.
• Right to withdraw: Possible until Sub-Grant Agreement signature, by written email to the GreenGrid Call Manager using the prescribed subject line.

Categorisation and Structured Information

Eligible Applicant Types

SMEs only, in line with the European Commission SME definition based on headcount and either turnover or balance sheet total. The call explicitly requires that the applicant meets the SME definition and has been legally established for at least 1 year prior to submission. No other applicant types are eligible.

Funding Type

Grant delivered as a lump-sum reimbursement after approval of the Challenge Description Report resulting from the innovation audit.

Consortium Requirement

Single applicant. The opportunity funds one SME per application to perform an innovation audit; no consortium is required or foreseen.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility)

Not explicitly stated in the provided text. As this is a Euroclusters cascade funding action under the Single Market Programme (SMP-COSME), eligibility commonly targets SMEs established in EU Member States and possibly countries associated with the programme. Applicants must consult the official Call Guidelines for precise territorial eligibility.

Target Sector

Energy sector with focus on grid flexibility, sustainability, and digitalisation. Cross-cutting relevance to renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and digital technologies for energy management. Related domains include cleantech, ICT for energy, smart grids, and industrial energy use.

Mentioned Countries

No specific countries are mentioned in the provided text. The opportunity is framed within EU-funded Euroclusters; regionally, the EU context is explicit.

Project Stage

Assessment and ideation stage. The funded activity is an innovation audit to identify challenges and define areas for innovation or technology adoption. This precedes validation and piloting activities that may be supported in the subsequent Solution Box Open Call(s).

Funding Amount

€2,000 per SME as a lump-sum reimbursement after the Challenge Description Report is approved. Total call budget is €100,000. A later Solution Box Open Call is expected to offer up to €30,000 for piloting or validation; participation in Solution Box is not automatic and will follow separate rules.

Application Type

Open call with multiple cut-offs, submitted electronically via the EU Survey platform accessible from the GreenGrid website.

Nature of Support

Money. Beneficiaries receive a lump-sum monetary grant as reimbursement following approval of the required deliverable. No structured non-monetary services are described for this stream.

Application Stages

Single submission stage via EU Survey. The process comprises six administrative and evaluation steps: Administrative and Eligibility Check; Evaluation by Independent Experts; Ranking and Selection; Approval and Contracting; Feedback to Unsuccessful Applicants; Right to Withdraw.

Success Rates

Not provided. The total available budget is €100,000 with €2,000 per grant, implying approximately 50 potential awards subject to available budget and ranking, but actual success rates depend on the number and quality of applications received.

Co-funding Requirement

No explicit co-funding percentage is required. The grant is a fixed lump sum of €2,000 reimbursed after approval of the Challenge Description Report. Beneficiaries must pre-finance the audit until reimbursement.

Templates

Two templates are referenced:Declaration of Honour template to be completed and signed with a qualified electronic signature, and the official GreenGrid Challenge Description Report template, which must be used to present the audit outcomes. The detailed structure of these templates is not included in the provided text and should be obtained from the official call page or the GreenGrid website.

Practical Guidance and Links

• Call page and submission gateway: GreenGrid website with EU Survey access: GreenGrid Cluster
• EU Funding & Tenders context page: EU Funding & Tenders – Competitive Call Listing
• Qualified electronic signature validation reference: DSS Demonstration WebApp
• SME definition resources and self-assessment: SME Definition – European Commission

Summary

PowerBoost – unlock energy related challenges is a focused cascade funding opportunity for SMEs to perform an innovation audit that diagnoses their energy use, digital maturity, and potential contributions to grid flexibility and sustainability. The call offers a €2,000 lump-sum reimbursement per SME to deliver a Challenge Description Report based on the official GreenGrid template. Applications are made via the EU Survey platform linked from the GreenGrid website and must include a Declaration of Honour signed with a qualified electronic signature. Eligibility requires SME status per the European Commission definition and at least one year of legal establishment prior to submission. Proposals are assessed by two independent experts against defined criteria, scored up to 15 points, with a minimum threshold of 12 points. Funded applications are ranked by consensus score and submission time, and grants are allocated until the €100,000 budget is exhausted. The funded audit is expected to take 2–3 months and must be completed with the final report no later than 31 October 2027. Completion of this audit is mandatory to access forthcoming Solution Box Open Call(s), which are expected to provide up to €30,000 for piloting or validating solutions to the identified challenges, though participation is subject to a separate process. In essence, PowerBoost de-risks early-stage innovation planning in the energy domain by enabling SMEs to systematically identify and document their priority challenges and solution pathways aligned with renewable integration, energy efficiency, and digitalisation, laying the groundwork for subsequent validation and deployment funding.

Overview and Strategic Context

PowerBoost is a targeted cascade funding stream operated by the GreenGrid Eurocluster, an initiative supported by the European Commission under the Euroclusters Joint Cluster Initiatives programme. The opportunity is designed to strengthen the innovation capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the green and digital energy transition sector. This funding mechanism serves as a critical first step in a broader support pathway, enabling SMEs to conduct structured innovation audits and prepare for subsequent demonstration and pilot testing activities.

Funding Agency:European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), operating under the umbrella of the European Commission's SMP-COSME initiative. The full EU funded project is Green Grid Europe: Eurocluster for Renewable Energy Growth ¹.

Funding Amount and Budget Allocation

Individual Grant Amount:€2,000 lump-sum reimbursement per selected SME.

Total Call Budget:€100,000.

Co-Financing Requirement:A minimum of 20 percent co-financing contribution from private sources (the SME itself) is mandatory. This requirement ensures recipient commitment and leverages additional resources for audit activities.

Reimbursement Basis:The €2,000 grant is paid as a single reimbursement after successful completion of the innovation audit and submission and approval of the required Challenge Description Report and financial documentation. The report submission date will be mutually agreed between the GreenGrid Coordinator and the beneficiary, but cannot extend beyond 31 October 2027 ².

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant Type

Only individual SMEs may apply. Consortium applications are not permitted. Each application must be submitted by a single SME as the sole applicant and beneficiary.

SME Definition

Applicants must meet the European Commission's official SME definition as outlined in EU Recommendation 2003/361. This includes enterprises with either turnover not exceeding €50 million or balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million. The detailed SME definition applies to individual firms only, and groups must declare consolidated figures if applicable.

Geographical Scope

Eligible applicants must be legally established in one of the following territories:any EU Member State, any European Economic Area country, or any country associated with the Single Market Programme. This includes Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine ³.

Operational Requirements

Applicants must have been legally registered and established for a minimum of one year prior to the submission date. Additionally, the SME must have completed at least one approved financial year of operations. Applicants must also comply with conflict of interest, financial capacity, and ethical requirements as defined in the call guidelines.

Sectoral Eligibility

SMEs must be operating in sectors relevant to the green transition, with specific focus on energy, electricity grids, energy-intensive industries, and sustainable energy systems. The call prioritizes organizations whose activities contribute to Europe's green and digital energy transition.

Eligible Activities and Deliverables

The PowerBoost stream funds only one eligible activity:the implementation of an innovation audit conducted by the SME. This audit must be focused on identifying and assessing key challenges and opportunities related to energy use within the applicant organization. The innovation audit serves a strategic purpose of helping SMEs understand their current processes, technologies, operational gaps, and defining priority areas where innovation or new technology adoption could improve efficiency, flexibility, or integration with renewable energy systems.

Audit Scope and Topics:The innovation audit must address challenges related to at least one of the following areas: grid flexibility and digitalisation, integration of renewable energy and storage systems, electrification of processes, resource efficiency, or sustainability and resilience of electricity systems.

Mandatory Deliverable:All beneficiaries must produce a Challenge Description Report using the official template provided by GreenGrid. This report is a prerequisite for accessing future funding opportunities, particularly the forthcoming Solution Box scheme which will provide support of up to €30,000 for piloting or validating solutions addressing identified challenges ⁴.

Audit Conduct Options:The innovation audit may be conducted internally by the SME's own team or with support from external expert consultants. The choice between internal or external execution is left to the applicant organization.

Duration:Expected duration of participation is 2 to 3 months from contract signature to final deliverable approval.

Application and Submission Process

Applications must be submitted electronically via the EU Survey Platform, with the submission link available at the GreenGrid Cluster website ⁵. Applicants are required to upload a template-based Declaration of Honour that must be duly signed using a qualified electronic signature meeting the European Commission's Digital Signature Service (DSS) standards. No additional information submitted after the deadline or provided through external links will be considered in the evaluation.

Submission Deadlines:The call operates on a multiple cut-off model with two application deadlines: 3 April 2026 at 01:59 Brussels time, and 31 August 2027 at 01:59 Brussels time. Funding is allocated sequentially as applications are approved and budget is exhausted, with a first-come-first-served approach based on submission date and evaluation score.

Evaluation and Selection Process

Step 1: Administrative and Eligibility Check

After each submission deadline, the GreenGrid Call Manager verifies that the application was submitted via the official online form within the deadline, that all required fields are completed with necessary annexes attached, that the applicant meets the European Commission's SME definition, that the applicant's legal entity was established at least one year prior to submission, and that the Declaration of Honour is properly signed with a valid qualified electronic signature as per DSS standards. Applications that are incomplete, submitted after the deadline, or do not meet eligibility requirements are automatically considered ineligible and do not proceed to evaluation.

Step 2: Evaluation by Independent Experts

Each eligible application is assessed by two independent evaluators with relevant expertise in energy transition and innovation. Both evaluators sign declarations of confidentiality and conflict of interest before commencing their review. The evaluation follows specific criteria and a standardized scoring system as described in the call documentation.

Scoring System:Each evaluation criterion is scored on a scale from 1 to 5 points. The maximum total score achievable is 15 points. The minimum threshold for funding approval is 12 points; applications scoring below 12 points will not receive funding.

Step 3: Ranking and Selection

All applications that reach or exceed the 12-point threshold are ranked first by their final evaluation score as confirmed at a consensus meeting between evaluators, and secondarily by their date and time of submission. Funding is allocated sequentially to ranked applications until the available PowerBoost budget of €100,000 is exhausted.

Step 4: Approval and Contracting

Selected applicants receive a notification email and a Sub-Grant Agreement template for electronic signature. The grant will be paid as a reimbursement after the SME has completed the innovation audit, submitted the Challenge Description Report, and received approval from GreenGrid. The report submission deadline cannot extend beyond 31 October 2027.

Step 5: Feedback to Unsuccessful Applicants

All applicants, including those not selected, receive an Evaluation Summary Report containing their score and feedback from evaluators. Applicants who believe a procedural error has occurred may submit an appeal as outlined in the call guidelines.

Step 6: Right to Withdraw

At any stage of the process before signing the Sub-Grant Agreement, applicants have the right to withdraw their application by sending a written email notification with the subject line Withdrawal – PowerBoost Open Call to the GreenGrid Call Manager. Upon receipt, the application is withdrawn and not subject to further evaluation or contracting. Withdrawals submitted after funding approval automatically terminate the contracting process without further obligations for either party.

Timeline and Important Dates

Funding Pathway and Future Opportunities

PowerBoost is explicitly designed as the first step in a two-stage funding pathway within the GreenGrid support scheme. Successful completion of the Challenge Description Report is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in the forthcoming Solution Box Open Call(s). The Solution Box scheme will provide financial support of up to €30,000 for piloting or validating solutions addressing the energy-related challenges identified during the innovation audit. However, completion of the Challenge Description Report does not automatically entitle an organization to Solution Box funding; participation requires submission to a separate open call with its own eligibility criteria, independent evaluation process, and selection decision. The Solution Box Open Call is expected to launch in Q3 2026 ⁶.

Key Considerations for Applicants

Strategic Positioning

This opportunity is designed for SMEs seeking to clarify their technological and strategic challenges in the energy transition context, strengthen innovation readiness, and position themselves for accessing larger funding opportunities. The low financial barrier (€2,000 with 20 percent co-financing) makes this accessible to diverse organizations while establishing a foundation for future, larger-scale projects.

Application Quality Focus

With a 12-point minimum threshold out of 15 possible points and evaluation by two independent experts, application quality directly determines funding success. Early submission is advantageous given the first-come-first-served sequential funding model; higher-scoring applications submitted earlier will be prioritized.

Documentation Requirements

Applicants must ensure all required fields are complete, all annexes are attached, and the Declaration of Honour is signed with a valid qualified electronic signature. Incomplete applications or those with unsigned declarations will be rejected at the administrative check stage without proceeding to expert evaluation.

Co-Financing Planning

The mandatory 20 percent co-financing contribution must be budgeted from private sources. For a €2,000 grant, this requires €500 in co-financing, representing a total eligible project cost of €2,500. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment and financial capacity to provide this contribution.

Support and Further Information

Applicants seeking clarification or support regarding the PowerBoost call may contact the GreenGrid Call Manager at info@greengridcluster.eu. The full call documentation, application forms, template for the Challenge Description Report, and additional guidance materials are available at GreenGrid Cluster. The official EU Funding and Tenders Portal also provides comprehensive call details and submission instructions.

Footnotes

1. 1Grant Agreement number 101236890, funded under the SMP-COSME – Joint Cluster Initiatives (EUROCLUSTERS) for Europe's recovery programme.
2. 2The challenge description report submission date will be mutually agreed between the GreenGrid Coordinator and the beneficiary SME during the contracting phase.
3. 3Eligibility includes EU 27 Member States plus EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and countries associated with the Single Market Programme (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine).
4. 4The Solution Box scheme will support piloting and validation of solutions addressing identified energy-related challenges, with project awards reaching up to €30,000, subject to availability and separate open call evaluation processes.
5. 5Applications are submitted via the EU Survey Platform with the link provided at greengridcluster.eu. The Declaration of Honour must be electronically signed using a qualified signature validated through the European Commission Digital Signature Service (DSS) Demonstration WebApp.
6. 6The Solution Box Open Call launch is expected in the third quarter of 2026. Organizations completing the PowerBoost audit and Challenge Description Report will be notified of this subsequent funding opportunity and its specific eligibility and evaluation criteria.