The ZEROSTEEL project is a research and innovation initiative under the Horizon Europe Programme, specifically targeting the green and digital transition of the steel industry. It aims to radically reduce the carbon footprint of steel production by developing and integrating a suite of novel, near-zero-emission technologies across the entire production chain. The consortium brings together 18 leading partners from across Europe and beyond, including universities, research institutions, technology developers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and major industrial players from the steel, mining, and renewable energy sectors. The project's core ambition is to replace carbon-intensive processes with clean alternatives. Central to this effort is the development and scale-up of four innovative hydrogen-based iron ore reduction pathways: Fluidized Bed Direct Reduction, Rotary Kiln Direct Reduction, Hydrogen Plasma Smelting Reduction (HPSR), and Microwave-Assisted Reduction. These methods are designed to operate with hydrogen produced from renewable sources, process fine ores without the need for pelletization, and achieve very high metallization rates. Furthermore, ZEROSTEEL will integrate biomass valorization through a novel Chemical Looping Pre-reduction (CLpre) process, which uses low-grade biomass to pre-heat and partially pre-reduce iron ore, simultaneously generating a pure CO2 stream for utilization or storage. To close the loop on carbon, sustainably produced biochar will be investigated as a replacement for fossil carbon in slag foaming during Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) operations. Beyond the reduction stage, ZEROSTEEL addresses downstream emissions by pioneering CO2-free technologies for reheating and shaping steel. This includes a hybrid hydrogen plasma torch system and Renewable Energy Source (RES)-based induction and conduction heating methods. A key digital innovation is the development of a Digital Twin for AI-based steel quality monitoring and process optimization, aimed at enhancing efficiency, consistency, and predictive maintenance. The technical work is supported by comprehensive Sustainability Life Cycle Assessment to quantify the benefits, alongside the development of a clear business case and exploitation plan to facilitate future market adoption. The expected impact of ZEROSTEEL is significant, targeting a reduction of over 90% in CO2 emissions compared to conventional routes, while strengthening European leadership in clean steel technology, contributing to the goals of the European Green Deal, and promoting a sustainable, competitive, and resilient industrial future.