Deadline Date: June 3, 2026
The Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation is offering funding to support early-stage innovation projects in offshore wind technologies aligned with national growth objectives.
The focus areas of this competition include advanced turbine technology, industrialised foundations and substructures, future electrical systems and cables, smart environmental services, and next generation installations, operations and maintenance.
The competition aims to build a strong pipeline of high-growth UK businesses and technologies by supporting feasibility studies that prepare projects for scale-up, further funding, and future commercial deployment. This strand specifically targets feasibility studies, distinct from the industrial research strand, and applicants must ensure they apply to the correct category as applications cannot be transferred or assessed if out of scope.
Eligible projects must have total costs between £50,000 and £250,000, last between 6 and 18 months, start by 1 October 2026, and end by 31 March 2028. Projects must be carried out in the UK, with organisations intending to exploit the results within or from the UK. All projects must begin on the first day of a month and cannot commence until a Grant Offer Letter is approved.
To apply, a project can be led by a UK-registered business. If applying alone, the organisation must be a UK-registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME). For collaborative projects, the lead must be a UK-registered business, and the consortium must include at least one UK SME claiming funding. Academic institutions cannot lead or work independently but may participate as collaborators. Collaborations must include at least two organisations applying for funding, with no single partner accounting for more than 70% of the total eligible costs.
Subcontractors are permitted and must be selected through standard procurement processes, with justification required, especially if using overseas providers. Non-funded partners, including international organisations, may participate, but their costs will still count toward the total project cost.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
