North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley Opened Funding Call
The NACHIP initiative is providing grants to SMEs for hydrogen technology pilot projects through November 9, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Energy
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The Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic launched its second open call for funding on September 7, 2026, targeting hydrogen-related technology pilot projects. This initiative offers grants to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) deploy and commercialize clean energy solutions.
Why it matters
The program connects emerging hydrogen technologies with the real-world environments and financing required for commercial scale. It serves as a mechanism to accelerate adoption across Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.
SMEs can secure up to 60,000 euros for individual projects or 180,000 euros for consortia of up to three entities. All approved projects are fully funded through a 100 percent lump-sum grant scheme.
The players
Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic
A cross-border collaborative network connecting over sixty organizations across Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia to develop a regional hydrogen economy.
The details
The initiative utilizes a framework comprising HE Listing and HE Pitching to pair innovators with investment and industry partners. These efforts focus on five specific pilot activities across the North Adriatic region, which involves more than sixty connected organizations. The program aims to bridge the gap between early-stage development and commercial deployment by providing capital for localized integration.
Timeline
March 2022: Joint Letter of Intent signed for the hydrogen valley.
September 7, 2026: NACHIP second open call application period began.
November 9, 2026: NACHIP second open call application period ends.
November 11-12, 2026: Sixth Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic Conference takes place in Gorizia and Nova Gorica.
End of 2026: NASCHA first open call expected to open.
The Tech Race
The initiative follows the strategic roadmap established by the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley project launched in 2022. It directly supports the regional goal of integrating hydrogen energy into industrial and transport sectors.
SMEs working in the clean energy sector can apply for grant funding directly through the official program portal until November 9, 2026. Successful applicants will receive full grant coverage for projects designed to reach pilot-stage deployment within the region.
The takeaway
The program highlights a push toward localized, cross-border hydrogen pilot integration. Stakeholders should monitor the upcoming NASCHA open call scheduled for late 2026 to see how funding scales for the next group of 20 targeted SMEs.
What happens next
The sixth Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic Conference will occur November 11 to 12, 2026, in Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia.
Further reading
For broader trends in infrastructure, read more in our Energy coverage.
More information
Submit your proposal via the NACHIP funding application and information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Innovation News Network.
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Do you believe government-funded hydrogen initiatives are an effective way to drive industrial environmental progress?
