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Energy Catalyst Round 11 is Innovate UK’s flagship programme for accelerating innovations that create or improve access to clean energy in Official Development Assistance eligible countries. The programme recognises that achieving universal access to energy requires not only new technologies, but also robust delivery models, local partnerships and solutions that work in challenging, real-world environments.
The overarching aim of Energy Catalyst is to support a just and inclusive energy transition, extending the benefits of clean energy to low-income households, enterprises and social institutions, while addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Projects must demonstrate alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 7, ensuring access to affordable, reliable and modern energy, and Sustainable Development Goal 13, supporting climate action.
Three strands supporting different stages of innovation
Energy Catalyst Round 11 is structured across three strands, allowing applicants to enter the programme at the stage that best reflects their technical maturity and delivery readiness.
Early stage projects focus on feasibility and early development. This includes technical validation, prototype development, early market assessment and testing of delivery or business models. These projects typically build the evidence base required to progress towards piloting and investment readiness.
Mid stage projects support industrial research and pilot activity. These projects are expected to include structured testing or demonstration in eligible ODA countries, validating performance, affordability, user acceptance and operational delivery. Mid stage funding helps de-risk innovations before larger-scale deployment.
Late stage projects are designed for solutions that are close to market. These projects focus on large-scale demonstration, in-country validation and preparing innovations for commercial roll-out. Strong delivery capability, robust in-country partnerships and a credible route to market are essential at this stage.
Scope and priority areas
To be eligible, projects must address both energy access and clean energy. Innovations must deliver energy that is affordable, reliable and low carbon, while creating clear social or economic benefits in the target regions.
While Energy Catalyst is open to a broad range of innovations, priority areas include next generation solar, sustainable cooling, modern cooking services, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation, clean transport, smart energy systems, energy storage, clean hydrogen, critical minerals, inclusive energy solutions and zero emissions generators.
At least 50 percent of each project must focus on energy access and energy innovation, as demonstrated through work packages and project costs.
Collaboration, delivery and inclusion
Energy Catalyst places strong emphasis on collaboration and equitable partnerships. All projects must include a UK-registered administrative lead, at least one grant-claiming SME, and meaningful involvement from organisations with a legal presence in the target ODA regions. For mid and late stage projects, in-country testing or demonstration is a core requirement.
Projects must also demonstrate how they will manage gender equality, disability and social inclusion considerations, ensuring that innovations are accessible, appropriate and beneficial to underserved and marginalised groups. Circularity, sustainability and long-term maintenance are also important considerations, particularly where equipment or infrastructure is deployed in-country.
Innovate UK will invest up to £7 million across Energy Catalyst Round 11, distributed across the early, mid and late stage strands, subject to the quality of applications received. Funding is provided as a grant, with project size, duration and funding rates varying by strand and organisation type.
Funding rates depend on the type and size of organisation and the nature of the research activity, with applicants required to fund the balance of project costs.
In addition to grant funding, all successful projects are enrolled in the Energy Access Accelerator, which provides tailored commercial, technical and strategic support. This includes one-to-one guidance, investor readiness support and market-focused advice designed to improve the likelihood of scale, investment and long-term adoption.
How Inventya can help
Inventya supports organisations at every stage of the Energy Catalyst journey, helping you build a clear, compliant and competitive application. Our support includes:
With Inventya, your Energy Catalyst application is positioned to meet funder expectations while laying the foundations for real-world delivery and long-term success.
