Applications for Innovate UK’s £10m support for clean energy still open

Nigeria’s energy sector is undergoing tremendous transformation, with much of the work led by research and innovation firms that are constantly developing new clean energy technologies, business models, and frameworks that are making positive impact on the energy landscape.

To further catalyse impact in the sector, Innovate UK has launched Round 10 of the Energy Catalyst, which will award up to £10 million of support to clean energy innovations via the UK’s Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform, which is part of the Ayrton Fund.

Energy Catalyst is an Innovate UK programme co-funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other UK Departments, Funds and Research Councils, to accelerate the innovation needed to end energy poverty in Africa and Asia.

According to a statement from the British High Commission in Nigeria, the competition is open and “we encourage eligible organisations to apply for the stages that they best qualify for.

“Typically, applications need to be submitted by a UK registered entity, although project participants and even the technical lead can come from any country.

“Nigerian firms either need to have a UK partner, or to find one. Match funding will be provided to early, mid and late stage research and innovation projects developing new clean energy technologies and solutions. In total, FCDO have funded 12 projects in Nigeria totalling about £5.1 million.”

A brokerage event for Energy Catalyst Round 10 in Abuja was held recently where companies had the opportunity to meet potential partners.

Interested organisations can still identify potential partners via a virtual brokerage platform – the B2Match platform.

“We look forward to projects that will be funded in this round that complements current clean energy innovations and further delivers on Nigeria’s energy access commitments and ambitions,” the statement added.

Applications close on June 28, 2023.