Energy Catalyst Round 11 opened on 05th of January 2026.
If you have an innovative technology or business model designed to end energy poverty, Innovate UK is offering a share of £7 million of grant funding to bring your vision to life.
Act quickly as applications close 25 March 2026 at 11:00am.
Having had success in previous Energy Catalyst rounds, Grantmi are well placed to help your secure funding
get in touch today. We can help you scope you innovations to align with the aims of the call.
What is Energy Catalyst Round 11?
The Energy Catalyst program aims to accelerate the innovations needed to create a just and inclusive energy transition.
Whether you are at the concept stage or ready for a large-scale pilot, there is a strand for you:
Early Stage - £50,000 – £300,000, Project length 3–12 months
Mid Stage - £50,000 – £1.5 Million, Project Length 6–24 Months
Late Stage - £50,000 – £5 Million, Project Length 6–36 Months
Is Your Project in Scope?
To be successful, your project must address both energy access and clean energy in ODA-eligible regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and Latin America.
Priority Innovation Areas
Next-Gen Solar, advanced PV and off-grid solutions.
Smart Energy Systems, peer-to-peer trading and smart grids.
Energy Storage, innovative battery and thermal storage.
Modern Cooking, moving away from solid fuels to clean alternatives.
Sustainable Cooling, crucial for food and medicine security.
Clean Hydrogen & Critical Minerals, fueling the future of green industry.
All projects must demonstrate a clear plan for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) to ensure no one is left behind in the energy transition.
Eligibility & Partnerships
This competition is built on collaboration.
Lead Organisation: Must be a UK-registered organisation (of any size) to act as the administrative lead.
SME Involvement: Your consortium must include at least one micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME) from anywhere in the world.
International Partners: For Mid and Late stages, you must involve a partner with a legal entity in one of the target ODA countries.
Why Apply
Beyond the funding, becoming an Energy Catalyst grantee connects you to a global network of innovators, provides validation for your technology, and helps you navigate the complexities of international development markets.
Submit early, don’t wait until the final hour on March 25th—the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) can get busy!