The European Commission has recognized and awarded the first 130 projects with the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Seal, a quality label aimed at providing visibility and more funding opportunities to promising projects in clean and digital technologies. These projects focus on innovative solutions in areas such as clean energy, industry, and digital technologies for space-related applications. Examples include the development of components for offshore wind towers in Poland, a hydrogen-powered sea freight service in the Netherlands, manufacturing of photovoltaic modules in Italy, CO2 capture technologies in Denmark, and radiation-resistant integrated circuits for space applications across multiple countries. The STEP Seal is awarded to projects that contribute to STEP objectives and meet quality requirements under EU programs like the Innovation Fund, Digital Europe Programme, and Horizon Europe. Member States are encouraged to support these projects by fast-tracking project selection, providing grant support, and considering them as funding priorities under various EU funds and programs. The STEP Seal serves as a badge of distinction for projects, making them more attractive to private investors interested in projects with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) profiles. The STEP initiative by the European Commission aims to support the European industry, boost investment in critical technologies, and promote innovation and sustainability in Europe. It raises and directs funding across 11 existing EU programs towards digital technologies, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnologies. The projects receiving the STEP Seal must bring an innovative and cutting-edge element, contributing to reducing strategic dependencies of the Union. The Regulation establishing STEP came into force in March 2024. In recent announcements, the Commission selected innovative net-zero projects to receive grants from the Innovation Fund and Horizon Europe, all of which received a STEP Seal. These projects play a crucial role in advancing sustainability and technology in Europe, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting self-sufficiency. Overall, the STEP initiative aims to drive innovation, support sustainable development, and enhance Europe's competitiveness in critical technologies.