Energy Catalyst Round 11: Mid Stage

Key Scope Requirements:

• Projects must develop innovative products, processes, or services addressing both energy access and clean energy.
• Emphasis on local partnerships within eligible Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries.
• Demonstrable social and economic benefits within the targeted regions.
• Focus on providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to low-income households, businesses, and social institutions.
• Projects must target specific ODA-eligible countries within the defined regions.
• Clean energy solutions must be affordable, reliable, low-carbon, and promote gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI).
• Priority areas include clean hydrogen, critical minerals, clean transport, energy efficiency, energy storage, inclusive energy, industrial decarbonisation, smart energy systems, and sustainable cooling.
• Over 50% of the project work must focus on energy access and innovation.
• Projects must involve demonstration or field testing within the target ODA country.

Eligible Regions:

• Sub-Saharan Africa: Specified list of countries.
• South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
• Indo-Pacific: Eligible ASEAN countries and Pacific Island nations.
• Projects in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, DRC, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Project costs: £50,000 to £1.5 million.
• Project duration: 6 to 19 months.
• Project start: 1st September 2025.
• Project end: 31st March 2027.
• UK registered administrative lead required.
• International partner and at least one SME involvement.
• Projects must demonstrate GEDSI.
• Projects must demonstrate or field test in an ODA eligible country.

Funding Details:

• Funding provided as a grant.
• Funding percentages vary based on organisation size.
• ODA compliance is mandatory.
• Capital expenditure within ODA countries is eligible, with specific conditions.
• Research organisations can claim up to 30% of eligible cost.
• Successful projects enter the Energy Catalyst Accelerator Programme (ECAP) with Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA).

Important Considerations:

• Projects must not violate UK sanctions.
• Animal research must adhere to welfare and ethical standards.
• Specific project types and activities are excluded.
• Subcontractors are permitted.
• Projects must not be dependent on export performance or domestic inputs.

Key Points:

• Innovate UK uses a portfolio approach to funding.
• Justification is required for projects outside eligibility criteria.
• Detailed financial and project setup information will be needed for successful applicants.
• MFA has a 315,000 pound limit within a 3 year rolling financial period.

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