Europe is making an extraordinary commitment to a greener future, and the numbers speak volumes about the scale of this ambition. The EU Innovation Fund is opening the door to €40 billion in support for organizations developing the clean technologies that will power tomorrow's world.

This remarkable initiative represents one of the most significant investments in climate solutions anywhere on the planet. The fund is designed to help innovators take their promising ideas and scale them up to make a real difference in the fight against climate change. From renewable energy breakthroughs to carbon capture innovations, from energy storage solutions to zero-emission buildings and transportation, the fund covers the full spectrum of technologies needed for a sustainable future.

What makes this opportunity even more exciting is how accessible it has become. Organizations in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein can apply for funding through April 2026, with grants covering up to 60% of eligible costs and some auctions funding projects at 100%. This level of support means that groundbreaking ideas that might have remained on the drawing board can now become reality.

To help navigate the complexity of bringing climate technology to market, Capgemini is playing a crucial role in connecting innovators with the resources they need. The company leads a consortium selected by the European Investment Bank to accelerate decarbonization projects across Europe. Their Project Development Assistance program has already completed more than 10 projects and expects to deliver over 150 additional support packages in the next four years.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of this initiative extends far beyond individual projects. By helping companies across industries like steel, cement, chemicals, and mobility secure funding and technical support, the Innovation Fund is creating a wave of positive change across the European economy. Each successful project represents jobs created, emissions reduced, and technological progress that can inspire similar innovations worldwide.

Florent Andrillon, who leads Capgemini's Climate Tech initiatives, captures the excitement perfectly: "Innovation is vital to advancing net-zero solutions across Europe. While many organizations have developed promising climate technology, they need access to funding to deploy their solutions at scale. The Innovation Fund helps bridge that funding gap to drive progress in sustainability and next generation infrastructure."

The fund recognizes that brilliant ideas need more than just money to succeed. Projects receive comprehensive support including feasibility studies, technical assessments, market analysis, and strategic partnership development. This holistic approach means innovations have the best possible chance of moving from concept to commercial success.

Arthur Arrighi from Capgemini Invent emphasizes the transformative potential: "Organizations spanning the energy and industry sectors are working to create a low-carbon future. Securing financing to enable the full roll-out of these projects is key to achieving the energy transition."

With billions in funding available and expert support ready to guide projects to success, Europe is demonstrating that the transition to clean energy isn't just necessary, it's achievable and already underway.