16 January 2026 - 31 July 2026
Energy Access Networking
Registration open until 30 Jun 2026
Join the virtual collaboration building to find partners for your Innovate UK Energy Catalyst Round 11 application.
Applicant briefing recording: Briefing
Drop in sessions: These will take place every Thursday between 19th February to 19th March , where you can join if you have any questions
FAQ added
Applications are open until 25th March 2026, but from January 2026 through to July 2026, this website will host 1:1 virtual meetings to discuss project opportunities and facilitate introductions between organisations to help provide clean, affordable and secure energy in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo-Pacific Region and Latin America.
The aim of the virtual Marketplace is to help develop equitable partnerships leading to a collaborative application for Energy Catalyst Round 11.
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will invest up to £7 million in projects which create new or improved energy access in ODA-eligible countries. These countries are in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo Pacific regions and Latin America. This is subject to a sufficient number of high quality applications being received.
This funding is part of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) and provided by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This is part of the UK’s Ayrton Fund commitment.
The aim of this competition is to accelerate the innovations needed to create new or improved clean energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region, and Latin America. This is to create a just and inclusive energy transition and extend the benefits of clean energy for all to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13.
Priority will be given to projects aligned with the Ayrton Fund Challenge areas. https://ayrtonfund.info/the-challenges/
More information can be found at: energycatalyst.ukri.org
Three stages -
Early stage - https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2362/overview/640b2f4e-8571-4aef-9e2a-67e35db3db77
Late stage - https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2364/overview/b9d4dedf-d22a-41d1-9ca2-6c5a279519be
These funding streams are part of the UK government’s official development assistance budget (ODA). This funding is from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and is part of the Ayrton Fund. Funding is delivered by Innovate UK’s Energy Access team.
You can find some useful resources onthe resource tab , this includes GEDSI information
Energy Catalyst is open to both UK and international participants, please review the page on Eligibility for further details.
Question? Please contact: energycatalyst@iuk.ukri.org