Net Zero Start-Up Hub 2027
The application deadline for this call has passed.
However, we always welcome applications from innovative companies.
Accelerate your technology. Connect with industry. Build your path to deployment.
The Net Zero Innovation Hub is looking for ambitious, innovative technology companies shaping the future of sustainable digital infrastructure to join the 2027 Start-Up Hub.
Throughout the 6-month incubaton program, selected companies will gain direct access to leading data center operators, technology providers, and industry experts while strengthening their product-market fit, gaining industry insights, and building connections with the organizations shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
The program is designed specifically for innovative companies developing technologies relevant to data centers, combining industry knowledge, commercial readiness, and direct access to leading operators, technology companies, and experts from across the European data center ecosystem.
Partners in the Net-Zero Start-Up Hub 2026-2027:
Why Join the Net Zero Startup hub?
Built for the Data Center Industry
Every part of the program is designed specifically for companies developing technologies relevant to digital infrastructure. From the curriculum and mentors to industry engagement and networking opportunities, the program is tailored to the needs of the European data center ecosystem.
Industry-Led insights
The 6-month incubation program combines in-person workshops, virtual sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and industry events. The program is built around real challenges identified by leading organizations across the European data center industry, providing a unique perspective on customer needs, procurement processes, market trends, and the evolving data center value chain.
Access to the Ecosystem
Connect directly with leading data center operators, technology companies, engineering firms, investors, and industry experts. Build relationships across the European data center ecosystem while gaining a deeper understanding of the market and the technologies shaping the digital and energy transition.
Investor Engagement
The Hub leverages its connections to the investor ecosystem and initiatives such as the EU Clean Energy Systems Program to bridge the gap between innovation, industry, and investment. By combining industry engagement with investor access, we help connect emerging technologies to real-world validation and deployment opportunities while supporting the development of scalable, investable solutions.
Requirements
The program is designed for innovative companies (TRL 5-7) developing technologies relevant to the future of sustainable digital infrastructure. No prior experience with the data center industry is needed.
We welcome applications from the EMEA region
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Address one or more of the program's innovation focus areas.
- TRL 5-7 (Reference TRL is 6)
- Be ready to demonstrate their technology in a relevant environment within the next 6–18 months.
- Have strong potential for scalability.
- Be available to participate in the in-person Pitch Day in Fredericia, Denmark, on September 22, 2026.
- Be committed to actively participating throughout the six-month program, including four in-person sessions in Fredericia, Denmark.
The program is designed to meet companies where they are. We will work with selected companies across technical validation and commercial readiness to explore credible pathways to scale in data center environments.
Innovation Focus Areas
Applications should address one or more of the following innovation focus areas
List of Services
- Power
List Item 1
Technologies supporting resilient, low-carbon power systems for digital infrastructure, including:
- Clean onsite generation
- Grid integration and flexibility
- Long-duration energy storage (LDES)
- Power distribution
- High-voltage DC architectures
- Heat reuse/ Heat-to-X
List Item 2
Technologies that create value from waste heat, including:
- Heat-to-water
- Heat-to-power
- Carbon capture
- Biomass
- District energy
- Other Heat-to-X applications
- Efficiency
List Item 3
With a specific focus on AI-driven applications for energy efficiency. Technologies improving operational performance and sustainability, including:
- AI-enabled optimization
- Intelligent controls
- Digital twins
- Automation
How does the Net Zero Start-Up Hub work?
The Start-Up Hub is a flagship initiative under the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers’ approach to identifying, testing, and de-risking new technologies for the data center industry. We focus on technologies and business models that accelerate decarbonisation of digital infrastructure.
Additional questions? Download the Program Guide for more details about the Start-Up Hub
1. Pitch & Selection
Shared industry requirements are translated into a call for innovation from innovative companies.
Timeline & Application Process:
- 31 August 2026: Application deadline
- 8 September: Initial selection for Pitch event
- 22 September: Pitch event and selection in Fredericia
At the Pitch Event on 22 September 2026 in Fredericia, three outstanding teams will receive direct financial awards (sponsored by Google):
- 1st Prize: EUR 10,000
- 2nd Prize: EUR 7,000
- 3rd Prize: EUR 5,000
2. Onboarding & Roadmaps
October - December 2026
Individual onboarding meetings to align expectations, meet the team and get started on your individual roadmaps
The goal of these meetings is to discuss and define together:
- Goals and expectations for joining the start-up hub
- Define success criteria
- Identify gaps in skills/knowledge and set requirements for mentoring
3. Incubation Program
January - June 2027
The 6-month tailored incubation program combines in-person workshops, virtual sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and industry events to balance practical learning with flexibility.
4. Advisory board & Mentorship
Graduation marks the beginning of your long-term engagement with the Net Zero Innovation Hub.
Alumni remain part of the Hub community, receive continued access to networking opportunities, and may be invited to future events, mentoring activities, innovation calls, and collaboration opportunities as relevant.
Meet the Alumni
The inaugural program in 2025-2026 brought together start-ups from Denmark, Finland, Germany, and the United States to explore how emerging technologies can help address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Join Innovation Pipeline
The application deadline for this call has passed.
However, we always welcome applications from innovative companies.
We are building a broader innovation pipeline of technologies that will drive the industry toward net zero. Apply below to join our innovation pipeline, and a member of our team will reach out to explore the opportunities.
Technologies in our innovation pipeline are also available to members of our technical team, who are constantly evaluating new technologies.
Send all applications to info@netzerodatacenters.com
Supporting Documents
CALL FOR INNOVATION:
NET ZERO START-UP HUB 2027
QUESTIONS?
Download the Program Guide for more information
