EU-Startups identifies 20 startups among 77 projects selected for €3.4 billion net-zero funding

The European Commission's latest selection of 77 European net-zero technology projects, announced on 19 October 2026, has been analyzed by EU-Startups, revealing that 20 of these projects involve startups, scaleups and younger technology ventures. This represents approximately 26% of the total selected projects. These 20 businesses span five funding categories, from large industrial developments to smaller-scale demonstrations and manufacturing facilities.

Notable among the large-scale projects are two companies previously covered by EU-Startups: Germany's Vaeridion and France's GravitHy. Vaeridion, based in Munich, is developing a fully battery-electric regional aircraft called the Microliner, aimed at carrying nine passengers. GravitHy, founded in 2022, focuses on decarbonising the steel industry by producing low-carbon iron using hydrogen instead of coal-based processes.

In the medium-scale category, five startup-associated projects were identified, including Dutch company ChainCraft, which develops fermentation technology to transform organic waste into valuable fatty acids. German company traceless materials produces natural polymer-based materials from agricultural residues as alternatives to conventional plastics. Spain's H2SITE and Sweden's Cemvision are also among the medium-scale projects, with the latter aiming to reduce emissions associated with cement manufacturing.

Among the small-scale projects, four startups were identified. Dublin-based XFuel develops technology for converting waste streams into lower-carbon fuels for existing transport infrastructure. France's Enosis, Lithuania's Refinis and France's Epyr are also part of this category. Additionally, five pilot projects selected involve startups, including Brussels-based Sirona Technologies, which develops modular direct-air-capture technology.