Deadline Date: December 05, 2025
Energy Systems Catapult has launched the Retrofit Accelerator, a new programme designed to help ambitious energy SMEs scale their retrofit innovations and bring them to market faster.
The focus areas of this opportunity are Energy Systems Catapult has launched the Retrofit Accelerator, a new programme designed to help ambitious energy SMEs scale their retrofit innovations and bring them to market faster, we’ve partnered with Wates, EDF Energy, Leonard (Vinci), and the West Midlands Combined Authority to identify key pain points in the retrofit sector with additional support and engagement from Ebico, the Accelerator will connect successful applicants with these leading partners to explore real-world solutions helping turn breakthrough ideas into deployable scalable solutions, each partner will collaborate with their selected SMEs TRL 6+ and successful applicants will receive a fully funded support package valued at more than £20k including expert technical and business support to strengthen and de-risk trial propositions direct connections to major industry players and potential commercial partners a bespoke business support programme consisting of technical and commercial expertise and access to testbed facilities such as our Living Lab a network of 5000 real homes and communities.
Challenge area 1 data-led retrofit the lack of available and reliable data makes it difficult to accurately measure and model retrofit interventions and build trust in the reported outcomes retrofit outcomes are often based on modelled assumptions rather than accurate measurement limiting the ability effectively plan assess finance and evaluate interventions this creates a credibility gap for lenders insurers and policymakers who need robust real-world data to assess risk value and impact in addition the lack of performance-linked finance mechanisms slows down market growth and undermines trust.
Challenge area 2 technology-driven optimisation the lack of optimised systems to support effective construction and building management places pressure on organisations to deliver against their contractual terms this lack of optimisation leads to lost working time additional overhead to manage contracts suppliers and logistics and often results in the need to deliver work outside of the initial project budget and scope this creates a financial burden for construction and building management companies placing a downward pressure on profit margins and the risk of reputational damage.
Challenge 3 whole-building systems management the lack of available systems to support effective monitoring and management of buildings in the UK results in building owners and homeowners being unable to benefit from reduced energy bills energy usage and carbon emissions in addition there are insufficient tools available to help consumers understand the range of retrofit interventions and identify which solutions best meet their energy needs these create missed opportunities for building owners homeowners and energy providers to meet government organisational and individual net zero targets whilst also delivering energy cost savings.
Challenge 4 consumer-driven retrofit the lack of effective methods to inform consumers of their retrofit choices coupled with low consumer trust in the products and services available constrains the pace of retrofit delivery this lack of consumer knowledge and trust results in building owners being unable to benefit from lower energy cost and consumption it limits opportunities for commercial businesses and prevents public sector organisations achieving local and national net zero targets, we’re looking for SMEs that have innovations at TRL 6+ that are mature enough to test and trial in a live environment able to respond to one of the partner challenges with a high-level proposal at application stage you must have some indication of market traction some revenue generating activity and or investment exceptions may be made for late stage MVPs with strong traction or pipeline you must be a small or medium-sized enterprise SME headquartered or with a registered presence in the UK or Europe this support will have a value of £24,415 which will count as Minimal Financial Assistance MFA and is part of your total £315,000 subsidy allowance for a three-year period.
The Retrofit Accelerator brings together some of the most influential organisations in the built environment and energy sectors to help SMEs bridge the gap between innovation and real-world adoption. By working directly with partners such as Wates, EDF Energy, Leonard, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, the programme aims to address longstanding barriers that prevent retrofit technologies from reaching scale.
Successful SMEs will benefit from a fully funded package of expert support. This includes technical guidance to refine and de-risk trials, commercial input to strengthen business models, and opportunities to collaborate with major industry players. Access to advanced testing environments, including the Living Lab consisting of thousands of real homes, enables participants to validate solutions under practical conditions.
The four challenge areas highlight the most critical obstacles facing the retrofit sector. These include the shortage of accurate, real-world building data, limitations caused by poorly optimised construction and building management systems, the absence of integrated whole-building management tools, and the need for improved consumer awareness and trust in retrofit options.
Through this initiative, Energy Systems Catapult aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative retrofit technologies, enabling the sector to contribute more effectively to national net zero goals.
For more information, visit Energy Systems Catapult.
