Drive Your Energy Innovation Forward
Looking to fund your clean energy innovation? If you're a startup or SME developing groundbreaking solutions to transform energy access in Africa or Asia, the Energy Catalyst Grant could be the launchpad you need.
Backed by Innovate UK, this prestigious grant supports ambitious businesses working on sustainable energy technologies. It's a golden opportunity to receive non-dilutive funding, build credibility, and drive real-world impact all without giving away equity.
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What is the Energy Catalyst Grant?
The Energy Catalyst Grant is a funding initiative delivered by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It supports UK-based innovators who are developing sustainable energy technologies aimed at solving the global energy access challenge.
Specifically, this grant funds projects that improve energy access in developing and emerging economies particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South/South East Asia. Your innovation must address one or more of the following:
- Cost
- Reliability
- Emissions
- Access
This could involve anything from solar microgrids and storage solutions to clean cooking tech or smart energy systems.
The Energy Catalyst operates across three key strands:
- Feasibility Studies – early-stage R&D and proof of concept.
- Industrial Research – technology development and testing.
- Experimental Development – scaling up and market-readiness.
Why Should You Apply?
Still wondering if this grant is worth your time? Here’s why the Energy Catalyst is one of the most sought-after energy innovation grant programmes in the UK:
Non-Dilutive, High-Impact Funding
Unlike equity investment, this is free funding. That means no dilution and no repayments. You get the runway you need to build, test, and scale without losing control of your company.
Support for Global Impact
If you’re solving energy access in underserved regions, this programme directly aligns with your mission. It supports projects that advance SDG7 – Affordable and Clean Energy for All.
Expand International Collaborations
To be eligible, you must partner with at least one organisation in your target region. This creates opportunities for lasting impact, cross-border innovation, and new market entry.
Boost Your Credibility
Being backed by Innovate UK carries weight. It enhances your reputation, opens doors to other funding, and builds confidence with future investors and stakeholders.
Tailored for Early and Growth-Stage Innovators
Whether you’re developing your prototype or preparing for deployment, there’s a strand for you. The programme is uniquely designed for the evolving needs of startups and SMEs in clean tech.
Book Free Consultation
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, it’s essential to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
You must | You Cannot Apply If |
|---|---|
 Be a UK-registered business, SME, academic, or RTO |  Your project does not include an international partner. |
Lead the project (as a UK entity) | You plan to use fossil fuel-based technologies. |
Include at least one international partner from a developing or emerging economy. | You are not addressing energy access or sustainability. |
Address one or more key energy access challenges. | Your business is not registered in the UK or your partners are not from eligible regions. |
Be working on technology at TRL 4–9 (from lab validation to commercial readiness). |
Want to know if your project qualifies?
Book a free eligibility check with our team.
Why Work With Grant Up?
Applying for the Energy Catalyst Grant is highly competitive—success depends not only on your innovation but on how well you present it. That’s where Grant Up comes in.
We’re experts in non-dilutive funding, with a proven track record in securing innovation grants for startups and SMEs tackling global challenges.
ÂŁ125M+ Secured
3Ă— Success Rate
100s Wins
Clean Tech Focus
Our Support Includes
We understand what reviewers look for. Our team includes grant assessors, ex-Innovate UK advisors, and technical writers with deep experience in energy innovation.
Work with us to avoid the common pitfalls, tell your story powerfully, and maximise your funding potential.
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Innovate UK typically covers 50–70% of total project costs, depending on the size and type of organisation. The remaining costs must be matched by the applicants (in-kind or cash).
If you’re not sure which strand fits your innovation, we can help you identify the right route and optimise your bid accordingly.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Applying for the Energy Catalyst Grant is a structured process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it:
Step 1: We Will Check Your Eligibility
- Confirm that your project fits the challenge scope.
- Ensure all partners are from eligible regions.
- Check your innovation’s TRL stage here.
Step 2: We will Support you to Build a Consortium
- Identify and confirm international and local partners.
- Agree on roles, responsibilities, and contributions.
Step 3: We will Develop the Proposal
- Articulate the challenge and how your innovation addresses it.
- Highlight technical innovation, scalability, and impact.
- Detail your commercialisation and deployment strategy.
Step 4: We Complete the Application
- Submit through the Innovate UK portal.
- Provide technical details, cost breakdowns, and partnership information.
- Upload supporting documents (Gantt charts, letters of support, etc.)
Step 5: We Submit Your Application and Wait for Assessment Results
- Once submitted, applications are scored by independent reviewers.
- You’ll receive feedback and, if successful, move to grant offer and contract stage.
Typical timeline
Application to award takes around 3–4 months, depending on the call.
Want help managing the entire process? Grant Up provides full lifecycle support—from strategic positioning to submission and beyond.
How to Improve Your Chances of Success
Competition for the Energy Catalyst Grant is high. Here’s how we will give your application the best possible chance:
Align Clearly with the Mission
Show Real Demand
Have a Strong International Partner
Balance Technical and Commercial Detail
Invest in Quality Writing and Structure
Start Early
FAQs
Can we apply if we’re a startup with no revenue yet?
Yes. The Energy Catalyst supports early-stage companies, including pre-revenue startups. What matters is your technology’s potential and alignment with the challenge.
Do we need to be incorporated in the UK?
Yes. The lead applicant must be a UK-registered organisation. However, your project must also include at least one partner based in a developing or emerging economy.
What is the TRL requirement?
Projects must fall between TRL 4 to 9. This means your technology should already be past the basic concept stage and either be in development or approaching deployment.
Do we need to provide match funding?
Yes. Innovate UK typically covers 50 to 70% of project costs depending on your organisation type and size. The rest can be provided using existing cash revenues or resources or in-kind by project partners.
Can universities apply?
Yes. Academic institutions and RTOs can apply, usually in collaboration with industry partners. The project must still meet the commercial and impact criteria.
What if we’ve already received Innovate UK funding?
You can still apply, provided the new proposal is a distinct project and meets the Energy Catalyst objectives.
Book Your Free Funding Consultation
The Energy Catalyst Grant is one of the most impactful funding opportunities for clean energy innovators looking to drive change in underserved markets. But with high competition and complex criteria, expert support can make all the difference.
At Grant Up, we’ve helped startups and SMEs secure over £125 million in non-dilutive funding and we know exactly what it takes to win.
If you’re working on a breakthrough energy solution and want to maximise your chances, don’t leave it to chance.
- Review your current projects
- Identify all eligible costs
- Prepare a strong research and development claim
- Ensure you receive the maximum benefit from the scheme