Within the CLEANHYPRO project, PNO Innovation Italy contributes to the definition and validation of the Single Entry Point (SEP) and to the alignment of technical and non-technical services with validated market needs. This work supports the Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB) by ensuring that its service offering responds to stakeholder demand and can be effectively deployed through democases and open calls.
From preliminary analysis to validated market insights
In the first phase of the project, PNO Innovation Italy contributed to the Preliminary Market Analysis (D2.1), which positioned CLEANHYPRO within the European OITB landscape and mapped the hydrogen and electrolyser market. This activity identified key technology segments (PEM, AEL, AEM, SOEC), relevant market trends, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as primary potential users of OITB services.
Building on this foundation, the Final Market Analysis (D2.2) focused on validating these assumptions through direct stakeholder engagement. PNO Innovation Italy supported the coordination of surveys, interviews, and workshops involving electrolyser manufacturers, component suppliers, and technology developers. The collected feedback confirmed key challenges related to technology scale-up, testing and validation, certification, and access to investment.
Structuring the Single Entry Point
A central element of PNO Innovation Italy’s contribution has been the ongoing structuring of the Single Entry Point (SEP). The SEP is being developed as a structured interface connecting external stakeholders to CLEANHYPRO services, integrating access to pilot lines with non-technical support such as certification, market analysis, and exploitation-related services. This approach aims to ensure clarity, accessibility, and consistency in how stakeholders engage with the OITB.
Project Highlights
Stakeholder engagement activities highlighted strong interest in long-duration testing, third-party validation, and support for market entry. Feedback from SMEs working on emerging electrolysis technologies confirmed the relevance of combining technical testing services with business-oriented support. These insights have been used to refine the preliminary CLEANHYPRO service catalogue and to inform the ongoing design of future democases.
Future Outlook:
In the next project phase, PNO Innovation Italy will focus on supporting the business and exploitation dimension of CLEANHYPRO. Planned activities include supporting the development of business and exploitation plans linked to CLEANHYPRO showcases, alongside funding and grant scouting activities and the preparation of future engagement with investors and industrial stakeholders. This work supports the sustainability of the SEP and the transition from validated technologies toward market-ready applications.
Through its contribution to market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and SEP structuring, PNO Innovation Italy supports CLEANHYPRO in aligning its service offering with validated market needs. As the project progresses, this work provides a foundation for effective democase implementation and for the long-term sustainability of the CLEANHYPRO Open Innovation Test Bed.
Author(s): Taira Colah, Ivan Panza, and Manuela Guiducci
Partner organisation: PNO Innovation Italy