Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 4 Discovery – May 2025

Programme:Ofgem

Awards:Up to £150K

Geographical Scope:national

Beneficiaries:public

Key Features:Accelerate your energy innovation with Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund—apply by 25 June 2025 for up to £150,000 in Discovery Phase funding.

Key Information

Total Fund Available: Up to £30 million (exclusive of VAT)
Maximum Funding per Project: £150,000 (exclusive of VAT)
Project Duration: Up to 5 months
Funding Contribution Requirement: Minimum 10% of total project costs from alternative funds
Application Deadline: 25 June 2025, 11:00am UK time
Eligibility: Collaborative projects led by Ofgem-licensed electricity or gas distribution networks, transmission operators, or the Electricity System Operator (ESO)
Challenge Areas: Faster network development, greater heat flexibility, embedding resilience, accelerating towards net zero energy networks

Round 4 Discovery Phase: Scope and Objectives

The Discovery Phase is the first of three stages in the SIF funding cycle, focusing on feasibility studies for innovative projects. Successful projects may progress to the Alpha (proof of concept) and Beta (large-scale demonstration) phases. In Round 4, projects must address one of the following four Innovation Challenges:

Faster Network Development: Accelerating the deployment of energy networks to meet growing demand and integrate low-carbon technologies.
Greater Heat Flexibility: Enhancing the flexibility of heat systems to support decarbonisation and efficient energy use.
Embedding Resilience: Improving the resilience of energy networks against physical, cyber, and operational risks.
Accelerating Towards Net Zero Energy Networks: Developing strategies and technologies to expedite the transition to net zero energy systems.

Projects should be designed with a clear pathway through the Discovery, Alpha, and Beta phases, culminating in real-world implementation.

Application Timeline

Competition Opens: 26 May 2025
Competition Closes: 25 June 2025, 11:00am UK time
Project Start Date: Projects must commence after 1 July 2025
Project Duration: Up to 5 months

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is a collaborative initiative between Ofgem and Innovate UK, designed to drive innovation in the UK’s energy networks. Launched in 2021, the SIF aims to support transformative projects that facilitate the transition to net zero emissions at the lowest cost to consumers. By funding innovative solutions, the SIF seeks to enhance the resilience, flexibility, and efficiency of gas and electricity networks across Great Britain.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, projects must:

Leadership: Be led by an Ofgem-licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or the Electricity System Operator (ESO).
Collaboration: Involve collaboration with other partners, such as SMEs, academic institutions, or technology providers.
Innovation: Present novel, high-risk ideas that address one of the specified Innovation Challenges.
Consumer Benefit: Demonstrate potential to deliver net benefits to consumers, including cost reductions, emission reductions, or improved services.
Value for Money: Provide a competitive and well-justified budget, with a minimum of 10% of total project costs contributed from alternative funds.
Project Planning: Have a well-structured project plan with clear milestones and deliverables.

Projects must adhere to the SIF Governance Document and meet all specified eligibility criteria.

Benefits to Applicants

Financial Support: Access up to £150,000 in funding to explore innovative energy solutions.
Collaborative Opportunities: Partner with leading energy networks, academic institutions, and technology providers.
Progression Pathway: Opportunity to advance successful projects to the Alpha and Beta phases for further development and demonstration.
Impact: Contribute to the UK’s net zero goals and drive transformation in the energy sector.

Our Service Offering in Grants

At FI Group UK, we help businesses unlock funding for innovation through expert support in grant discovery, bid writing, management, and innovation loans. From early-stage project scoping to full application and delivery support, our team ensures your funding journey is efficient, strategic, and successful.

Our services include:

Grant scouting and strategy: identifying the right UK and EU funding opportunities for your project pipeline
Bid writing: crafting compelling, compliant applications with strong technical and commercial narratives
Grant management: supporting delivery, reporting, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle
Innovation loans: helping secure and manage Innovate UK loans for late-stage development and market readiness
International support: leveraging our global network to access cross-border innovation funding opportunities

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Our Service Offering in Grants

Our services include:

Grant scouting and strategy: identifying the right UK and EU funding opportunities for your project pipeline
Bid writing: crafting compelling, compliant applications with strong technical and commercial narratives
Grant management: supporting delivery, reporting, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle
Innovation loans: helping secure and manage Innovate UK loans for late-stage development and market readiness
International support: leveraging our global network to access cross-border innovation funding opportunities

Book An Introductory Meeting

Read Our 2025International Grants Guide

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