Funding
Strategic Innovation Fund
This new funding mechanism is designed to drive the innovation needed to transform gas and electricity networks for a low-carbon future. Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the SIF programme taps into the best of UK and international innovation.
Our Journey so far
Electricity Networks were invited to participate in the Strategic Innovation Fund for the first time in 2023. Since then, we have helped launch over two dozen new projects, and collaborated with even more independent innovators.
Have a look at some of the projects we have helped bring to life below.
How it works
How it works
Projects initially enter a ‘Discovery Phase’ to help define the problem and what value there is in solving it. This phase also helps find a common understanding of what energy consumers and network users need from the innovation and identify any constraints that may impact on solution of the problem.
How it works
Successful projects may then apply for additional ‘Alpha phase’ funding where participants will focus on small scale demonstrations of the different solutions to the problem identified during the Discovery phase. It will also include testing of the riskiest assumptions.
How it works
Following Alpha Phase funding, projects may be put forward for additional ‘Beta phase’ funding. This focuses on the deployment of the solution to the problem with the duration depending on the scale and complexity of the solution deployed.
Getting Started
Our partners are key to helping us deliver our extensive portfolio of innovation projects. You don’t need to know which funding mechanism is right for you. Simply get in touch by submitting an idea, and we can help kickstart your journey.
If you have an idea that could reshape or revolutionise the way we work, we want to hear from you.
Submit an idea