Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund round 5 discovery C6

About this grant

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £30 million exclusive of VAT, for collaborative Discovery Phase Projects that meet the round 5 challenges. This funding is from the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• The project lead must be an Ofgem-licensed gas distribution network, gas transmission network, electricity transmission network, electricity distribution network, or electricity system operator (ESO).
• The project must include at least one project partner.
• Project partners may include start-ups, SMEs, suppliers, academics, independent researchers, disruptors, or other licensed energy network companies.
• Projects must satisfy any challenge-specific project partner requirements in addition to the lead network licensee requirement.
• Additional project partners beyond the mandatory requirements are encouraged.

What the funding covers

• Funding for collaborative Discovery Phase Projects under the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
• Support for innovations that help deliver net zero at the lowest cost to consumers.
• Support for innovative businesses to grow and scale within the energy sector.
• Funding for projects addressing one of the seven Round 5 Innovation Challenges.
• Challenge areas include Advanced Energy Transmission and Networks, Dynamic Modelling, High Energy Demand Point Integration, Consumer Centric Grid Expansion, Enhanced System Visibility and Control, Green Gas, and Whole System Optimisation.
• Support for early-stage project discovery activities to define problems, understand user needs, identify constraints, and assess the value of potential solutions.
• Opportunities for successful Discovery projects to progress to later Alpha and Beta phases.
• Funding for collaborative projects involving energy network operators and external innovation partners.
• Support for innovations that improve network operation, system resilience, decarbonisation, and consumer outcomes.

How to apply

1. 1Form a collaborative project team led by an eligible Ofgem-licensed energy network company.
2. 2Select the appropriate Round 5 Innovation Challenge and theme that best matches the project.
3. 3Ensure the project meets the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) eligibility requirements.
4. 4Include the required project partners specified for the chosen challenge.
5. 5Prepare a Discovery Phase proposal outlining the problem, innovation opportunity, user needs, constraints, and expected benefits.
6. 6Demonstrate how the project supports net zero objectives and delivers value to consumers.
7. 7Prepare a project budget with requested SIF funding of no more than £200,000 and include the required minimum 10% private contribution.
8. 8Submit the application through the Innovation Funding Service.
9. 9Respond to any assessment or clarification requests during the evaluation process.
10. 10If successful, complete the Discovery Phase and become eligible to apply for the subsequent Alpha Phase.

Application tips