Energy Catalyst round 11, mid stage
Innovate UK · Projects must support energy access in ODA eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and Latin America.
Grant funding to support innovation projects that create or improve clean energy access in official development assistance (ODA) eligible countries, supporting a just and inclusive energy transition. Energy Catalyst round 11, mid s…
Summary
Deadline
25 Mar 2026
Complexity
Medium
Time to apply
20-60 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
Grant funding to support innovation projects that create or improve clean energy access in official development assistance (ODA) eligible countries, supporting a just and inclusive energy transition. Energy Catalyst round 11, mid s…
Eligibility
Applicant types
Business, Research
Business size
SME, Large
Industries
Clean energy innovation and energy access technologies.
Match funding
Required
Requirements
Businesses, research organisations, research and technology organisations, charities and non-governmental organisations. The administrative lead must be a UK registered business claiming grant funding. Projects must create or improve energy access using technologies or business models that are affordable, reliable and low carbon.
Eligible applicants
Businesses, research organisations, research and technology organisations, charities and non-governmental organisations.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
£50,000 to £1,500,000 total project costs
Total fund available
£7,000,000
Funding intensity
Industrial research projects may receive up to 70% funding for micro or small organisations, 60% for medium organisations and 50% for large organisations.
Payment type
Reimbursement (in arrears)
Eligible scope
Projects must create or improve energy access using technologies or business models that are affordable, reliable and low carbon.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs related to innovation development, testing and demonstration activities.
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
Not specified.
Assessment process
Applications are assessed competitively based on eligibility, project quality and alignment with programme objectives.
Application sections
- Project details, application questions and financial information.
Application components
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if they do not meet eligibility requirements, do not demonstrate ODA compliance or fail financial or administrative checks.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
Not specified
Project duration
6 to 24 months
Project start
31 Jul 2026
Project end
30 Mar 2030
Co-funders
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Collaboration rules
- Collaborative projects only. Projects must involve at least one legally separate collaborator.
- Projects must include at least one partner with a legal entity in an ODA eligible country in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region or Latin America.
Consortium requirements
- The consortium must include at least one micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) claiming grant funding.
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Research Category","value":"Innovation and technology development for energy access."},{"label":"Subcontractors","value":"Subcontractors are allowed and can be from any country if procurement requirements are followed and costs are justified."},{"label":"Interview Stage","value":"Not specified."},{"label":"Key Requirements","value":"Projects must demonstrate clear economic and social benefits for targeted ODA countries and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals relating to clean energy and climate action."},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Organisations can lead or collaborate on multiple applications."},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"Successful technology leads will be enrolled in the Energy Access Accelerator programme for additional support under minimal financial assistance rules."}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 25 Mar 2026
- Funding amount
- £50,000 to £1,500,000 total project costs
- Funding band
- Large (£5M+)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Reimbursement (in arrears)
- Audience
- Business, Research Innovation, Mixed
- Industry
- Clean energy innovation and energy access technologies.
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- 5 Jan 2026