I3FLOAT 1st Open Call
I3FLOAT 1st Open Call supports SMEs developing near-commercial floating offshore wind technologies to strengthen Europe's floating wind value chain and accelerate innovation time-to-market.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: November 10, 2026, at 17:00 CET (Application deadline) | September 7, 2026, at 10:00 CEST (Opening)
Funding Amounts: €2,520,000 total; up to €60,000 per SME or €120,000 per two-SME project; 12 months
Summary: Supports SMEs developing near-commercial floating offshore wind technologies addressing I3FLOAT’s Open or Specific Challenges.
Key Information: Each proposal must address exactly one challenge, and applicants must meet the call’s geographical eligibility requirements.
Description
The I3FLOAT 1st Open Call supports SMEs developing technological solutions for floating offshore wind that are relatively close to commercialisation, with expected current technology readiness levels of TRL 6–8. Run by the EU-funded I3FLOAT project as cascade funding, the call aims to strengthen the European floating wind value chain, consolidate European leadership and accelerate innovation time-to-market.
Projects must address either an Open Challenge drawn from 44 prioritised innovation lines or one of 11 Specific Challenges defined by Challenge Owners. Open Challenges span floating substructures, moorings and dynamic cables; electrical infrastructure and grid connection; turbines, supporting structures and controls; industrialisation; logistics and offshore installation; and operation, maintenance and decommissioning. Specific Challenges address concrete sector needs, including welding for serial assembly and transport logistics.
