£50K Energy Catalyst Mid-Stage Round 11

This competition invests up to £7 million GBP in projects that create new or improved clean energy access in ODA‑eligible countries across sub‑Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo‑Pacific, and Latin America. The aim is to accelerate innovations that support a just and inclusive energy transition, aligned with SDG 7 (Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Benefits include:

• Grant funding between £50,000 – £1.5 million GBP per project
• Support for technology or business models that are affordable, reliable, and low‑carbon
• Contribution to global clean energy access and climate resilience goals
• Opportunity to collaborate with international partners in ODA‑eligible regions

• This competition invests up to £7 million GBP in projects that create new or improved clean energy access in ODA‑eligible countries across sub‑Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Indo‑Pacific, and Latin America. The aim is to accelerate innovations that support a just and inclusive energy transition, aligned with SDG 7 (Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Costs between £50,000 and £1.5 million.
• Duration 6–24 months.
• Start August 1, 2026; end by March 31, 2030.
• Must deliver clean energy access in ODA‑eligible regions.
• At least two legally separate organizations.
• Must include at least one UK‑registered administrative lead (business of any size, claiming grant funding).
• Must involve at least one SME (micro, small, or medium enterprise) from anywhere in the world.
• Must include at least one partner with a legal entity in Sub‑Saharan Africa, South Asia, Indo‑Pacific, or Latin America.
• Administrative lead: UK‑registered business, manages finances (“hub and spoke” model).
• Technology lead: can be a business, RTO, or academic institution from anywhere in the world.
• Must include at least one eligible grant‑claiming SME.
• Partners can be businesses, universities, charities, NGOs, or RTOs.
• Subcontractors allowed (any country, justified costs).
• Non‑funded partners permitted (their costs count toward total).
• Must comply with UK sanctions rules.
• Animal research must follow UKRI welfare guidance.
• Projects must start on the first of the month
• Running a project or organization
• Working (full-time or part-time)