RENEW-BOOSTER opens new funding call

The second funding call under the European RENEW-BOOSTER programme is now open, offering financial support of up to €60,000 per SME. The programme aims to strengthen European competitiveness and supply chains by connecting innovative companies with real industry needs across the green and digital transition.

The call is structured around two different tracks.

Companies can either submit their own innovation projects through the Open Call, or they can apply to solve one of four industry challenges presented by leading European companies operating in renewable energy and offshore wind.

Four industry challenges seeking innovative solutions

This year's Challenge Track addresses a diverse set of industrial needs, ranging from offshore wind maintenance and manufacturing to battery circularity and resilient offshore navigation.

Challenge 1: Robotic solutions for offshore foundation painting

The first challenge comes from EDF Power Solutions in France.

Offshore wind foundations require regular maintenance to protect against corrosion. Today, painting operations often rely on rope access technicians working in challenging offshore conditions. The company is seeking robotic solutions, including drones and autonomous systems, that can perform inspection, stripping and painting work more safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.

The ambition is to reduce risk for maintenance personnel while improving operational efficiency and lowering environmental impact.

Challenge 2: Scaling production of suction anchors for floating offshore wind

Navacel Process Industries in Spain is looking for solutions that can help scale the manufacturing of suction anchors used in floating offshore wind projects.

As floating wind moves from demonstration to large-scale deployment, Europe will require significant increases in industrial production capacity. The challenge focuses on automation, robotics, advanced welding technologies, digital fabrication and AI-assisted manufacturing that can reduce costs while increasing productivity and quality.

The ultimate goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of European floating wind supply chains and support future market growth.

Challenge 3: Second-life use of industrial batteries

The third challenge is led by Estabanell Impulsa in Spain and addresses one of the key circular economy opportunities in the energy transition.

As industrial battery systems reach the end of their first operational life, new applications may allow them to continue creating value rather than becoming waste. Estabanell is seeking ideas for battery repurposing, state-of-health assessment, and commercially viable business models that can support large-scale second-life deployment.

The challenge combines sustainability, energy storage and digital innovation in one rapidly growing market.

Challenge 4: Trusted positioning for offshore wind when GPS fails

The fourth challenge comes from PGE Baltica in Poland.

Offshore construction and operations depend heavily on satellite navigation systems, but recent interference events in the Baltic Sea have highlighted the risks associated with GPS disruption, signal jamming and spoofing.

PGE Baltica is seeking practical and cost-effective solutions that can provide reliable situational awareness and positioning information when conventional satellite navigation becomes unreliable or unavailable. Potential solutions include alternative positioning technologies, sensor fusion, advanced navigation systems and integrity monitoring capabilities.

The challenge addresses a growing operational issue for the offshore wind industry and broader maritime sectors.

Not interested in a challenge? Bring your own idea

Companies that do not see a direct fit with the four industry challenges can still participate through the Open Call.

This pathway allows SMEs to propose their own innovation project, provided it contributes to RENEW-BOOSTER's overall objectives of strengthening European competitiveness, supporting supply chain development and accelerating the green or digital transition.

The programme welcomes a broad range of technologies and innovation concepts, making it relevant not only for offshore wind companies, but also for businesses working in advanced manufacturing, software, robotics, energy systems, digitalisation, automation and industrial sustainability.

Building stronger European innovation ecosystems

One of the strengths of the RENEW-BOOSTER programme is its focus on connecting SMEs with concrete industry needs.

Rather than innovation taking place in isolation, participating companies gain the opportunity to develop solutions that address real challenges faced by major industrial players. This creates a clearer pathway from concept development to commercial deployment and helps strengthen European value chains in strategic sectors.

For Norwegian companies active in offshore wind, energy technology and industrial innovation, the programme represents an opportunity to develop new solutions while building partnerships across Europe.