Funded under the Horizon Europe Cluster 4 Industry call HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01-41 – “Innovate to transform” support for SMEs’ sustainability transition (CSA), the FIERCE project has launched its open calls to support SMEs in developing innovative green and digital solutions using satellite data and space-based services.
Running from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2027, FIERCE has a total budget of approximately EUR 5 million, of which EUR 2.5 million is allocated to SMEs through cascade funding.
FIERCE is a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) that aims to accelerate Europe’s green and digital transition by promoting the use of downstream space data (such as Earth Observation, geospatial services, and satellite-based applications). The project supports SMEs through direct financial support and expert advisory services. In total, 70 SMEs will receive financial funding, while 140 SMEs will benefit from technical and business advisory support.
🔹 FIERCE 1st Open Call – Financial Support Programme
This call provides direct financial support to SMEs to implement space-enabled green innovation projects. Supported projects should use satellite data and related digital technologies to develop concrete business solutions in areas such as environmental monitoring, climate action, resource efficiency, agriculture, smart cities, and related fields.
The Financial Support Programme funds SMEs to contract external service providers to develop, scale up, commercialise, or adopt space-enabled green solutions.
The programme focuses particularly on solutions addressing:
• Improved circularity through better resource use and waste management
• Safe, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly management of primary, secondary, and critical raw materials
• Enhanced environmental monitoring
Each application is treated as an individual project, with funding available under the following categories:
• Ideation projects: up to EUR 25,000
• Scale-up projects: up to EUR 50,000
• Commercialisation projects: up to EUR 25,000
The maximum funding per SME is EUR 50,000. The total budget for this call is EUR 1,250,000, provided as lump-sum grants.
🔹 FIERCE 2nd Open Call – Advisory Services Support Programme
This call offers SMEs expert advisory and capacity-building services instead of direct funding.
The Advisory Services Support Programme helps SMEs strengthen their ability to design, develop, or improve green solutions by integrating satellite-based data and services.
While all space-enabled green solutions are eligible, priority is given to projects addressing:
• Circularity, resource efficiency, and waste management
• Sustainable management of primary, secondary, and critical raw materials
• Environmental monitoring
“Green solutions” refer to products, services, or processes that reduce environmental impact, either directly through improved internal processes or indirectly through greener products for customers.
Selected SMEs will receive personalised support from the FIERCE expert pool, including:
• Technical guidance on space and geospatial technologies
• Business model development
• Digital transformation roadmapping
• Training on open-access tools and software
The goal is to help SMEs build the skills and knowledge needed to integrate these technologies into their operations.
Application Process
Applications for both calls must be submitted online and in English only.
• First cut-off date: 28 February 2026
• Final application deadline: 31 March 2026
- Financial Support Call closes at 23:59 (CET)
- Advisory Services Call closes at 17:00 (CET)
Applications are open to single SMEs only (no consortium required).
All applications will undergo an eligibility check. Proposals that do not meet the criteria will not be evaluated. Applicants are strongly advised to review the relevant Guide for Applicants before submitting.
More information:
Financial Support Call
https://1st-financing.project-fierce.eu/
Guide for Applicants
https://1st-financing.project-fierce.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FIERCE_Open-Call_Guide-for-Applicants.pdf
Application system
https://opportunities.getonepass.eu/applications/fierce-first-open-call-for-the-financial-support-program/start
Advisory Services Call
https://2nd-advisory.project-fierce.eu/
Guide for Applicants
https://2nd-advisory.project-fierce.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Guide-for-Applicants_2nd_Advisory.pdf
Application system
https://opportunities.getonepass.eu/applications/fierce-second-open-call-for-advisory-services-support/start