Energy catalyst round 11: late stage
Innovate UK · International
Grant funding competition supporting projects that create or improve clean energy access in ODA-eligible countries. The programme aims to accelerate innovations that expand affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy access and support a just global energy transition aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13.
Summary
Deadline
25 Mar 2026
Complexity
Medium
Time to apply
20-60 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
Grant funding competition supporting projects that create or improve clean energy access in ODA-eligible countries. The programme aims to accelerate innovations that expand affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy access and support a just global energy transition aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13.
Eligibility
Applicant types
Business, Research
Business size
SME, Large
Industries
Clean energy innovation and technologies improving energy access. Priority areas include solar, sustainable cooling, modern cooking services, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation, clean transport, smart energy systems, energy storage, clean hydrogen, critical minerals and zero-emission generators.
Match funding
Required
Requirements
Businesses of any size, research organisations, research and technology organisations (RTOs), charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and academic institutions participating in collaborative projects. The administrative lead must be a UK registered business that manages the application and distributes grant funding to partners. Projects must develop, test or scale innovative technolog...
Eligible applicants
Businesses of any size, research organisations, research and technology organisations (RTOs), charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and academic institutions participating in collaborative projects.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
£50,000 to £5,000,000
Total fund available
Up to £7,000,000
Funding intensity
For experimental development projects: up to 45% for micro or small organisations, up to 35% for medium organisations and up to 25% for large organisations.
Payment type
Reimbursement (in arrears)
Eligible scope
Projects must develop, test or scale innovative technologies or business models that improve access to affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy in eligible countries and demonstrate clear social or economic benefit.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs related to innovation development, testing, demonstration and project delivery. All costs must be justified and directly related to the project.
Ineligible costs
- Costs not eligible under Energy Catalyst round 11 IFS competition guidance.
Application and risks
Application platform
Innovation Funding Service (IFS).
Competitiveness
Closed / Not accepting applications
Decision timeline
Applicants notified around 18 May 2026.
Assessment process
Applications are reviewed by independent assessors based on the competition criteria and overall project quality.
Application sections
- Project details, application questions and financial information.
Application components
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if they fall outside scope, do not meet ODA requirements, fail eligibility checks or do not meet funding rules.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
Not specified
Project duration
Between 6 and 36 months
Project start
31 Jul 2026
Project end
30 Mar 2030
Co-funders
- International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Collaboration rules
- Applications must be collaborative and include at least one legally separate collaborator. The consortium must include at least one SME from anywhere in the world claiming grant funding.
Consortium requirements
- Single applicants (UK SME) or collaborations; international partners permitted for ODA energy access in eligible countries.
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Technology Lead","value":"The project must include a technology lead responsible for technical scope and work packages. This organisation can be from any country but must claim grant funding."},{"label":"Research Category","value":"Experimental development projects close to market."},{"label":"Subcontractors","value":"Allowed from anywhere in the world, provided costs are justified and procured through normal procurement processes."},{"label":"Key Requirements","value":"Projects must address clean energy access, demonstrate ODA compliance, include international collaboration and integrate Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations."},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Not specified."},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"Successful projects will be enrolled in the Energy Access Accelerator programme, which provides additional business support and advisory services to improve commercialisation outcomes."}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 25 Mar 2026
- Funding amount
- £50,000 to £5,000,000
- Funding band
- Large (£5M+)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Reimbursement (in arrears)
- Audience
- Business, Research Innovation, Mixed
- Industry
- Clean energy innovation and technologies improving energy access. Priority areas include solar, sustainable cooling, modern cooking services, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation, clean transport, smart energy systems, energy storage, clean hydrogen, critical minerals and zero-emission generators.
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- 11 Jan 2026