Energy Catalyst Round 11: Mid Stage
Innovate UK · Projects must support energy access in ODA-eligible countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and Latin America. Administrative lead must be UK registered.
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. Part of Energy Catalyst Round 11. (UK Research and Innovation)
Summary
Deadline
25 Mar 2026
Updated
16 Oct 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. Part of Energy Catalyst Round 11. (UK Research and Innovation)
Eligibility
Applicant types
See eligibility requirements
Industries
Clean energy innovation, renewable energy, energy access technologies, smart energy systems, energy storage, clean transport, industrial decarbonisation, productive use of energy, clean cooking.
Match funding
Organisations must fund the remaining eligible project costs not covered by the grant.
Eligible applicants
Businesses, research organisations, research and technology organisations (RTOs), charities and NGOs.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
£300,000 to £1,500,000 total eligible project costs
Total fund available
Up to £7,000,000
Funding intensity
Industrial research: up to 70% (micro/small), 60% (medium), 50% (large). Research organisations carrying out non-economic activities may receive up to 100% of eligible costs.
Payment type
Not specified
Eligible scope
Projects must create or improve affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy access using innovative technologies or business models. Activities should include development, testing or demonstration in eligible ODA countries while contributing to SDGs 7 and 13. (apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk)
Eligible expenses
- Development, testing and demonstration costs directly related to the innovation project.
Ineligible costs
Not specified
Application and risks
Application platform
Innovation Funding Service (IFS)
Competitiveness
Approximately 15% success rate based on previous Energy Catalyst competitions. (apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk)
Decision timeline
Applicants were notified from 18 May 2026.
Assessment process
Competitive assessment based on eligibility, project quality, innovation, ODA compliance, impact and value for money.
Application sections
- Project details, application questions and financial information.
Application components
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected for failing ODA compliance, collaboration requirements, eligibility criteria or competition scope.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
5 Jan 2026
Project duration
6 to 24 months
Project start
1 Aug 2026
Project end
31 Mar 2030
Co-funders
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Collaboration rules
- Collaboration required. Projects must include at least one legally separate collaborator. Consortium must include at least one SME claiming grant funding and at least one partner based in an eligible ODA country.
Consortium requirements
Not specified
Additional guidance
Document research last revised 2026-08-05.
Expected Next Opening
Not announced. Energy Catalyst competitions are typically released in annual rounds. Monitor UKRI for the next Energy Catalyst call. (UK Research and Innovation)
International Collaboration Requirement
Projects must include at least one partner with a legal entity in an eligible ODA country (or an in-country office where permitted).
Research Category
Innovation and technology development for energy access.
Research Organisation Funding
Research organisations undertaking non-economic activity may receive up to 30% of total eligible project costs.
Subcontractors
Allowed where justified and procured through appropriate procurement procedures.
Interview Stage
Not applicable.
Key Requirements
Projects must demonstrate affordable clean energy access, comply with ODA rules, include Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations, and deliver measurable social, environmental and economic benefits.
Important Notes
Successful projects join the Energy Access Accelerator Programme for additional commercialisation support. Competition closed on 25 March 2026. The next round has not yet been announced by UKRI. (UK Research and Innovation)
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
- £300,000 to £1,500,000 total eligible project costs
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Not specified
- Audience
- See eligibility requirements
- Industry
- Clean energy innovation, renewable energy, energy access technologies, smart energy systems, energy storage, clean transport, industrial decarbonisation, productive use of energy, clean cooking.
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Published
- 6 Jan 2026