New pan-European platform accelerates cleantech deployment through real-world testing

The FINEX project, a Horizon Europe–funded initiative spanning Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Finland, is emerging as one of Europe's most coordinated efforts to accelerate cleantech and deep-tech deployment. At its core is a recognition that while Europe has no shortage of breakthrough innovations, many struggle to advance beyond the prototype stage due to fragmented access to testing infrastructure, limited stakeholder visibility, and delayed regulatory engagement.

28DIGITAL, as a key partner providing specialized pathways for digital deep-tech startups, is supporting the digital backbone of the initiative. In addition to its Open Innovation Factory and portfolio of innovation services, 28DIGITAL hosts the newly launched FINEX HelpDesk, a digital platform designed to close the gap between promising technological innovation and real-world implementation, by providing direct access to real-world test environments.

The platform is designed for companies working in sectors such as clean energy, sustainable mobility, circular construction, and smart city systems, who have reached Technology Readiness Level 5 or higher in their development cycle. This focus ensures that the HelpDesk connects solutions that are mature enough to benefit from pilot programmes. These range from energy system pilots to smart building installations and public mobility demonstrations.

Through the HelpDesk, innovators can explore the FINEX Resource Catalogue, a comprehensive database of collaborative spaces, business development programmes, experimentation facilities, and funding opportunities across all six partner countries.

The platform also facilitates connections with testbed providers, investors, and potential partners through focused matchmaking events at both national and EU-wide levels. These events create opportunities for innovators to meet local testbed operators, public authorities, investors, and other stakeholders who can advance their projects from concept to implementation.

The first round of regional matchmaking events is now underway in 2025, with sessions planned across all partner countries.

Startups, scaleups, corporates, research organizations, and public-sector entities interested in piloting or deploying cleantech and deep-tech solutions can contact their national FINEX partner through the HelpDesk platform.

Selected innovators are expected to co-design pilots with public authorities and local stakeholders, fostering partnerships that can lead to eventual deployment.

The initiative also encourages cross-regional collaboration, leveraging the geographic diversity of its partner network to create joint deployment opportunities that could bring new cleantech solutions to market across multiple European countries simultaneously.