Deadline: 03-Jun-2026
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is offering funding for early-stage feasibility studies in offshore wind technologies. Projects can receive £50,000–£250,000 and must be UK-based, running for 6–18 months between October 2026 and March 2028. The program aims to accelerate scalable innovations in offshore wind and support high-growth UK businesses.
Overview of the Programme
This funding competition by Innovate UK supports early-stage innovation projects focused on offshore wind.
It is specifically designed for feasibility studies, helping businesses test ideas, reduce risk, and prepare for commercial deployment or further funding.
The initiative aligns with UK national growth and clean energy transition goals.
Core Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support early-stage offshore wind innovations
- Build a pipeline of high-growth UK businesses
- Enable feasibility studies for future scale-up
- Strengthen the UK’s clean energy sector
- Prepare technologies for commercialization
Key Focus Areas
Projects must align with one or more of the following:
- Advanced turbine technologies
- Industrialised foundations and substructures
- Future electrical systems and cables
- Smart environmental and monitoring services
- Next-generation installation, operations, and maintenance
Funding Details
The competition provides:
- Project cost: £50,000 to £250,000
- Project duration: 6 to 18 months
- Start date: On or after 1 October 2026
- End date: By 31 March 2028
- Projects must start on the first day of a month
Funding is strictly for feasibility-stage innovation.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- UK-registered businesses (mandatory for all projects)
- SMEs (required if applying alone)
- Consortia including multiple organizations
Collaboration rules:
- At least 2 funded partners in collaborative projects
- At least one UK SME must be included
- No partner can claim more than 70% of total costs
Academic participation:
- Universities and research institutions cannot lead
- They may participate only as collaborators
What the Programme Supports
The programme supports:
- Feasibility studies for offshore wind innovations
- Early-stage technology validation
- Research preparing projects for commercialization
- Industry-academia collaboration (as partners)
What is Not Supported
The programme does NOT support:
- Industrial research projects (separate funding strand)
- Projects outside offshore wind focus areas
- Applications submitted under the wrong category
- Non-UK-based project implementation
Project Requirements
Projects must:
- Be carried out within the UK
- Demonstrate intention to exploit results in the UK
- Begin only after Grant Offer Letter approval
- Follow proper procurement for subcontractors
- Justify use of overseas subcontractors (if any)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Define an offshore wind feasibility project
- Ensure alignment with competition focus areas
- Decide whether to apply individually or collaboratively
- Build consortium (if applicable)
- Prepare project proposal and budget
- Submit application to Innovate UK
- Undergo evaluation process
- Receive Grant Offer Letter before starting project
Why It Matters
This programme is important because:
- Offshore wind is critical to the UK’s clean energy strategy
- Early-stage innovation reduces risk before large investments
- It supports growth of SMEs and technology developers
- It strengthens the UK’s leadership in renewable energy
- It accelerates commercialization of new energy solutions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying under the wrong funding strand
- Lack of clear feasibility focus
- Weak alignment with offshore wind priorities
- Exceeding collaboration cost limits (70% rule)
- Starting project before grant approval
- Poor consortium structure
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define feasibility objectives and outcomes
- Show potential for scale-up and commercialization
- Align with UK offshore wind priorities
- Build a balanced and compliant consortium
- Provide strong technical and financial justification
FAQ
What is this Innovate UK competition about?
It funds feasibility studies for early-stage offshore wind innovation projects in the UK.
How much funding is available?
Projects must cost between £50,000 and £250,000.
Who can apply?
UK-registered businesses, especially SMEs, either alone or in collaboration.
Can universities apply?
They cannot lead but can participate as collaborators.
What is the project duration?
Between 6 and 18 months.
Can international partners join?
Yes, but they cannot receive funding, and their costs count toward the total.
When can projects start?
From 1 October 2026, after Grant Offer Letter approval.
Conclusion
The Innovate UK offshore wind funding competition is a key opportunity for UK businesses to validate early-stage clean energy innovations.
By supporting feasibility studies, it helps transform promising ideas into scalable, commercially viable technologies that contribute to the UK’s renewable energy future.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.