HPNOW APS

Their core work

HPNow is a Danish cleantech SME that develops on-site hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generators — compact systems that produce this versatile biocide directly where it's needed, eliminating the hazards and costs of transporting concentrated chemicals. Their technology targets water treatment applications, particularly irrigation water disinfection for agriculture and food production. By generating hydrogen peroxide on demand from water and electricity, they offer a safer, more sustainable alternative to chemical supply chains for industrial and agricultural users.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

HPNow followed a textbook SME instrument scaling path. They started in 2016 with a feasibility study (EUR 50K) validating their on-site H2O2 concept as a biocide, then secured Phase 2 funding (EUR 1.2M) in 2017 to develop the technology specifically for irrigation water treatment. By 2020, PeroxyPro (EUR 1.8M) signals a broadening of their platform toward secure, affordable, and multi-purpose on-site peroxide generation — suggesting they are moving from a single-application product to a wider commercial platform.

HPNow is scaling from a niche irrigation disinfection product toward a broader on-site chemical generation platform, likely targeting multiple water and sanitation markets.

How they like to work

HPNow operates as a solo-coordinator SME, having led all three projects with minimal consortium involvement (only 1 unique partner across all projects). This is typical for SME Instrument grants, which fund individual companies rather than large consortia. For potential collaborators, this means HPNow is a product-driven company focused on commercialization rather than a research-oriented partner accustomed to large multi-partner projects.

HPNow has an extremely narrow formal H2020 network — just 1 partner in 1 country across all projects. This reflects their SME Instrument funding path, which is company-centric rather than consortium-based.

What sets them apart

HPNow occupies a very specific niche: decentralized, on-demand hydrogen peroxide production. Few companies in Europe focus exclusively on this technology with such persistence — three consecutive EU grants over six years show deep commitment and growing maturity. For consortium builders, they bring a ready-made, commercially oriented technology for chemical-free water disinfection that complements broader environmental or agri-food projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PeroxyPro
  Largest single grant (EUR 1.8M) representing the commercialization-ready phase of their core technology, signaling market readiness.
• HPGen
  Rare example of a company successfully progressing through both SME Instrument Phase 1 (feasibility) and Phase 2 (development) with the same core technology.