Category: Public Calls

Developing innovative hydrogen-related technologies, products or services? The European project NASCHA soon opens the first public call for small and medium-sized enterprises that want to contribute to the development of the hydrogen ecosystem in the northern Adriatic with their solutions.

First public call of the project NASCHA (North Adriatic Smart Communities Hydrogen Accelerator) opens 12 November 2026, and applications will be possible by 18 January 2027.

The call targets SMEs developing innovative hydrogen technologies, components, services and other solutions related to the hydrogen value chain.

The aim is to involve new companies and expertise in the development of the hydrogen ecosystem, encourage cross-border cooperation and accelerate the deployment of innovative solutions in the North Adriatic region and beyond.

About the NASCHA project

Project NASCHA co-financed by the European Union through the I3 instrument (Interregional Innovation Investments), implemented by the European Innovation and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA).

The project focuses on the development and demonstration of renewable hydrogen (H2) technologies in three areas: Croatia, Slovenia and the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Project activities include:

• Three Smart Communities of Practice, which connect local stakeholders and enable demonstration of the use of hydrogen technologies.
• Two joint pilot projects, focused on hydrogen storage and distribution to end-users, with the possibility to deploy solutions in different communities.
• One feasibility study, as part of activities aimed at developing the hydrogen value chain.

Particular emphasis was placed on testing and demonstrating innovative technologies and increasing their willingness to invest and attract investors.

Participate in the implementation of the project 20 public and private partners from three countries, which jointly strengthen the cross-border hydrogen ecosystem established through the initiative North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV).

When and how to apply?

The public call opens on 12 November 2026 and the deadline for applications is 18 January 2027.

Detailed information on eligible applicants, funding conditions, application process and required documentation will be published 12 November 2026, on the opening day of the call.

We recommend interested entrepreneurs to follow NASCHA project website, where official documentation of the public call will be available.

Do you have an innovative product, a developed prototype or a new technological solution that you want to market?

FIPRO Foundation and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County have opened Public call for financing the commercialisation of innovation through which innovators and small businesses can achieve from €7,000 to €20,000 in funding to further develop its solutions and prepare for market launch.

Subject of funding

The development of innovation does not end with the creation of the first version of the product. Additional testing, prototyping, certification or intellectual property protection are often required before entering the market.

It is precisely such investments that are in the focus of this call. Funding is available for:

• the development, testing and development of a prototype of a product or service delivery process;
• the procurement of the necessary equipment, tools and materials to innovate, where this cannot be contracted as an external service,
• preparation for market launch, including promotion and development of sales and distribution channels,
• certification and certification of products or services,
• examination of the state of the art and preparation and protection of intellectual property.

It is important that innovation already has a proven functionality, for example through an effective prototype, proof of concept or published scientific article.

Costs incurred prior to the publication of the Public Call on 15 October 2026 shall not be eligible for funding.

The deadline for the implementation of the approved project shall be a maximum of six months from the conclusion of the contract.

Financial allocation

Total funding is provided for projects €60,000, and the individual applicant can be approved from €7,000 to €20,000.

Funding shall be implemented in such a way that:

• 50 % allocates the amount granted in a non-repayable manner;,
• 50 % granted as an interest-free loan.

The loan is granted without guarantors, participation and mortgages, with a repayment period of two years and the possibility of contracting a grace period of up to one year.

Eligible applicants

The call is intended for:

• natural persons – innovators who are willing to start a business venture or transfer their innovation rights to another economic operator;
• Small business operators, i.e. private companies and crafts based in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

Innovators who do not yet have a registered business entity may also apply, but must set up a trade or company or transfer the innovation rights to an eligible economic operator based in PGC before awarding the funds.

Applicants who have concluded a funding agreement with the FIPRO Foundation in the last two years cannot regain funding through this call.

Deadline and method of application

Applications are received until 13 November 2026 at 23.59.

The application with the required documentation is submitted by e-mail to: fipro@fipro.hr.

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Need support in preparing your application?

If you are developing an innovative product or service and are thinking about signing up Contact us, we support entrepreneurs in assessing eligibility, elaborating project ideas and preparing application documents.

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The purchase of production equipment, investments in the circular economy, adaptation of business premises to persons with disabilities and equipping newly established companies and crafts are four areas for which entrepreneurs can receive grants from the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

It's open Public call for aid under the Programme of Entrepreneurship Development Measures in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County for the period 2026-2030 2029, and through four actions it is possible to achieve co-financing up to 80 % eligible costs, i.e. a maximum of EUR 8 000;.

What can be funded?

Depending on the activity, the development stage of the business and the planned investment, four measures are available to undertakings:

• Measure 2.1: Improving waste management processes and the transition to a circular economy

It is intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that invest in waste reduction, material reuse, recycling, separate collection and treatment of waste or industrial symbiosis.

Plants, equipment, measuring and control devices and computer programs recorded as fixed assets can be financed.

• Action 2.3: Co-financing of equipment costs in processing activities

If you operate in the manufacturing industry and plan to modernise production, the aid is intended for the acquisition and installation of new, more technologically advanced machinery and equipment that contribute to increasing productivity and product quality.

Tools, machines, plants, measuring and control devices and computer programs recorded as fixed assets are eligible.

• Measure 2.6: Aid for the development of inclusive entrepreneurship

The aid is intended for micro and small undertakings investing in the accessibility of business premises for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, as well as for undertakings which are themselves persons with disabilities.

Eligible investments include, inter alia, ramps, lifts and platforms to overcome altitude differences, adaptation of indoor spaces, and certain medical-therapeutic and rehabilitation-aesthetic equipment related to the objectives of the measure.

• Measure 2.7: Aid to start-up undertakings

You started your first trade or company in the last three years? This measure is intended for start-up micro and small entrepreneurs who open a trade or company for the first time and the business entity is registered in the relevant register for a maximum period of 36 months before the application.

The aid may finance the fitting-out of premises and the purchase of equipment for the core business, IT equipment and software recorded as fixed assets.

Financial allocation and aid intensity

All four measures are subject to the same basic financial conditions:

• co-financing amounts 80 % eligible costs,
• the maximum aid amount is €8,000,
• the minimum aid amount is €1,000,
• the individual item must be at least EUR 665 excluding VAT (i.e. with VAT if the applicant is not in the VAT system).

Eligible costs incurred From 1 January 2026 until the submission of the application, and investments must be made in the area of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants are: trades and companies (d.o.o. and j.d.o.o.) in 100 % privately owned, based in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

Applicant must have at least one person employed on a full-time and open-ended basis;, including self-employment.

It is also important to check the specific conditions of each measure and the eligibility of the activity. For example, for Measure 2.3 micro and small enterprises from certain manufacturing activities are eligible, while for Measure 2.7 special conditions apply for start-up enterprises.

One applicant can only apply for one measure.

Deadline and method of submission of applications

Applications are received until 19 10. 2026 - 23:59.

Project proposals are submitted by electronic means only through SOM App. In addition to the electronic form, all the required documentation must be uploaded.

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Are you planning to apply?

For further information on the Public Call, please contact the Administrative Department for Tourism, Entrepreneurship and Rural Development of PGC at gospodarstvo@pgz.hr or on 051/351-260 and 051/351-264.

If you are considering signing up for this call and need support, Contact us.

We provide professional support in the preparation of project proposals from the assessment of eligibility and development of the project idea to the preparation of the complete tender documentation.

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You're thinking about starting your own business, but you're still not sure where to start? You may have an idea that you have been developing for some time, but you need expert advice, an opportunity to check it out on the market or support in the first entrepreneurial steps.

Startup Incubator Rijeka opened applications for the 18th generation of users, and new entrants will have the opportunity to develop their business ideas over the course of six months with free education, mentoring support and connecting with the Rijeka startup community.

What can you get through the program?

Starting a business brings a lot of questions, from who your product or service is intended for and how to get to the first customers to finance, marketing and business organization. It is precisely on such questions that the participants will work through the Startup incubator program.

They will have at their disposal:

• more than 35 workshops and lectures for the development of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills,
• Individual support of more than 60 mentors from different professional fields,
• free workspace in RiHubu for a period of one year,
• advisory support in product development and prototyping, as well as opportunities to connect with investors and the international startup community.

The most successful teams were also provided with financing for the design business plans, and the best teams of the generation expect non-repayable financial support from the City of Rijeka.

The programme starts in January 2027, lasts for six months and is implemented in the Croatian language.

You have an idea, but you don't have a company yet? It's your call that's meant for you.

You do not need to have a registered business entity to participate. The call is intended for adult citizens of the Republic of Croatia who do not have their own registered business entity at the time of application.

You can apply on your own or with a team. It is important that you have a business idea that you want to develop and that you are ready to actively work on it during the program.

When selecting new users, the innovativeness and market potential of the idea, the degree of its development, as well as the motivation, competencies and willingness of the applicant to work will be evaluated.

How to apply?

If your business idea has been on hold for some time, this is an opportunity to start turning it into a concrete business plan with professional support.

Applications are open by 16 November 2026 Years, to be submitted here.

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More information is available at startup@rijeka.hr or 051 209 940.