National Home Decarbonisation Group: Big Retrofit Challenge 2.0 (UK)

Themes and technologies: Innovations can be products, services, improved systems or other solutions (including those enabling behavioural changes in building use) that deliver health and decarbonisation benefits to consumers, householders, and occupiers. Eligible solutions can apply to existing homes, existing non-residential properties, and new buildings provided the solution is also applicable to retrofit. You will be asked to select one of the following to categorise your technology: Building Fabric Solutions such as insulation systems, prefabricated or modular façade and roof systems, and moisture, mould and air quality control linked to fabric upgrades; Low-Carbon Heating & Cooling such as next-generation boilers, heat pumps, and room-level climate systems; Renewable Energy & Energy Storage such as integrated solar/PV roofing systems, battery and thermal energy storage solutions, and local energy generation for estates and communities; Data, Digital Tools, Controls & Performance Evaluation such as smart controls, digital twins, AI optimisation, asset management, retrofit planning tools, monitoring and technical performance evaluation; Occupant Engagement, Behaviour & Wellbeing such as community engagement, training and upskilling, user-centred design, behaviour change, occupant-focused performance feedback, indoor air quality and mould prevention, and support for vulnerable groups; and Cross-Cutting Enablers such as finance and business model innovations, supply chain and delivery process solutions including offsite manufacturing and rapid install methods.

This opportunity seeks innovative solutions for home decarbonisation with the aim of delivering both environmental impact and improved resident wellbeing. Up to six organisations will be shortlisted and given the chance to present their innovation on stage at the National Retrofit Conference, which will take place as part of Futurebuild 2026 from 3–5 March 2026 at ExCeL London. Shortlisted winners will also have opportunities to exhibit their solutions, engage with the National Home Decarbonisation Group members, and benefit from post-event visibility through interviews, press releases, and thought-leadership features.

The challenge is designed to support practical solutions that make homes healthier, more energy efficient, and aligned with the UK’s 2050 net zero targets. Companies can propose products, services, system improvements, or other solutions that address decarbonisation and health benefits across existing homes, non-residential properties, or even new buildings where retrofit applications are possible.

Eligibility requires applicants to be UK-registered businesses with an annual turnover of up to £15 million, with some priority given to less established organisations. Compliance with PAS2035 or the Microgeneration Certification Scheme is not required at the application stage, though alignment with such standards in the future is encouraged. Applicants will also be asked about the level of resident engagement undertaken in developing their innovation.

By connecting innovators with real-world opportunities for trial and engagement, the Big Retrofit Challenge 2.0 aims to advance scalable solutions that reduce household energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and lower carbon emissions while enhancing overall quality of life.

For more information, visit Innovate UK.