Energy Catalyst Round 11 – Late Stage
Innovate UK · Projects must deliver clear development impact in ODA-eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and Latin America. Administrative lead must be a UK registered organisation. (UK Research and Innovation)
Grant funding for collaborative projects creating or improving clean energy access in Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries. Supports innovations that expand affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy access while contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. (UK Research and Innovation)
Summary
Deadline
25 Mar 2026
Updated
16 Oct 2026
Grant funding for collaborative projects creating or improving clean energy access in Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries. Supports innovations that expand affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy access while contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. (UK Research and Innovation)
Eligibility
Applicant types
See eligibility requirements
Industries
Clean energy innovation, energy access, renewable energy, clean cooking, modern cooking services, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation, clean transport, smart energy systems and energy storage.
Match funding
Applicants must fund remaining eligible project costs not covered by the grant.
Eligible applicants
UK businesses, research organisations, research and technology organisations (RTOs), charities, NGOs and academic institutions participating in collaborative projects. Consortiums must include at least one SME claiming grant funding. (Innovation Funding Service)
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
£50,000 to £5,000,000 total eligible project costs
Total fund available
Up to £7,000,000
Funding intensity
Experimental development: up to 45% (micro/small), 35% (medium), 25% (large businesses). Research organisations may claim up to 100% eligible costs (or 80% FEC for academic institutions where applicable). (Innovation Funding Service)
Payment type
Not specified
Eligible scope
Projects must develop, test or scale innovative technologies or business models that improve affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy access while delivering measurable social or economic benefits in eligible ODA countries. (Innovation Funding Service)
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs under Innovate UK guidance, including labour, overheads, materials, subcontracting, equipment, travel and other justified research costs.
Ineligible costs
Not specified
Application and risks
Application platform
Innovation Funding Service (IFS)
Competitiveness
Approximately 15% success rate based on previous Energy Catalyst competitions. (Innovation Funding Service)
Decision timeline
Applicants notified 22 May 2026. Successful applicant briefing held 28 May 2026. (Innovation Funding Service)
Assessment process
Independent assessment against eligibility, ODA compliance, scope, innovation, commercialisation potential, impact 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, fail ODA eligibility checks, do not meet competition rules or fail funding eligibility requirements.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
5 Jan 2026
Project duration
Between 6 and 36 months
Project start
1 Aug 2026
Project end
31 Mar 2030
Co-funders
- International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF); Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Collaboration rules
Not specified
Consortium requirements
Not specified
Additional guidance
Document research last revised 2026-08-04.
Expected Next Opening
TBC. Innovate UK has not yet announced Energy Catalyst Round 12 (Late Stage). (UK Research and Innovation)
Technology Lead Requirement
Technology lead must possess the technical expertise and work packages. If based outside the UK, they must claim grant funding from an eligible country partner.
Research Category
Experimental development projects only.
Research Organisation Funding
Research organisations may receive up to 30% of total eligible project costs. Academic institutions may receive 80% Full Economic Cost (FEC) where applicable.
Key Requirements
Projects must address clean energy access, demonstrate ODA compliance, include international collaboration where appropriate, and incorporate Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations.
Important Notes
Successful projects join the Energy Access Accelerator programme, providing business support, mentoring and commercialisation assistance after award. (Innovation Funding Service)
Application deadline in source document
25 March 2026, 11:00 AM UK time
Official source
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 25 Mar 2026
- Funding amount
- £50,000 to £5,000,000 total eligible project costs
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Not specified
- Audience
- See eligibility requirements
- Industry
- Clean energy innovation, energy access, renewable energy, clean cooking, modern cooking services, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation, clean transport, smart energy systems and energy storage.
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Published
- 12 Jan 2026