3FLOAT Open Call: Up to €60,000 in Funding for SMEs in Floating Offshore Wind

Marine Cluster Bulgaria reminds small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the opportunity to apply for the first Open Call of the European I3FLOAT project, offering grants of up to €60,000 per SME to develop and demonstrate innovative solutions for the floating offshore wind sector. The application deadline is 10 November 2026.

As an I3FLOAT Connecting Node, Marine Cluster Bulgaria supports Bulgarian companies in accessing European innovation networks, establishing international partnerships and exploring new opportunities within the floating offshore wind value chain.

The call targets SMEs developing innovative solutions at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6–8, with strong potential for commercialisation and relevance to the technological needs of the European floating offshore wind industry.

What Does the Open Call Offer?

• Funding of up to €60,000 per SME, or up to €120,000 for joint projects involving two SMEs from different eligible regions.

• Support for technology development and demonstration, focusing on innovative solutions at TRL 6–8.

• Access to international partnerships, connecting SMEs with industrial stakeholders, technology developers and organisations across the European innovation ecosystem.

• Additional business development services, including expert guidance, financial advisory support and innovation valorisation services to facilitate market uptake.

Proposals must address the innovation priorities outlined in the I3FLOAT Strategic Innovation Agenda or the specific technological challenges identified by the project's industry partners.

Key Call Information

• Application deadline: 10 November 2026, 17:00 CET

• Total available budget: €2.52 million

• Funding per SME: Up to €60,000

• Project duration: Up to 12 months

• Eligibility: Bulgarian SMEs are eligible to apply, subject to the call requirements.

Floating offshore wind presents new opportunities for companies working in maritime engineering, manufacturing, digital technologies, logistics and renewable energy.

Through its involvement in I3FLOAT, Marine Cluster Bulgaria is committed to connecting Bulgarian businesses with international partners and facilitating their participation in Europe's emerging floating offshore wind value chain.

Further information, eligibility requirements and application materials are available on the official call page:

https://claner.es/i3float/open-calls/