SME Investor Readiness Challenge Call

Energy Systems Catapult is launching an innovator challenge call inviting SMEs developing innovative products and services deploying Energy as a Service business (EaaS) models, within the built environment. This challenge call will be delivered through Catapult’s Energy Launchpad incubator.

The call’s aim is to develop investment strategies and an SME’s readiness for funding the deployment of Net Zero business models, which enable the integration of energy solutions across the whole systems within complex urban and commercial build environments.

Of particular interest are innovators taking a whole system, user-centric approach, seeking to engage with corporate partners to realise opportunities for aligning EaaS models models with ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) targets. Some of the market sectors of interest being:

• Integrating innovative low carbon generation or infrastructure technologies into the building or estate fabric.
• Zero carbon domestic heating & cooling solutions.
• Enabling active, interoperable control systems that deliver more efficient and flexible operation of the whole energy system.
• Energy Aggregation and Demand Side Flexibility.

SMEs are invited to contact the Energy Systems Catapult with an Expression of Interest. On receipt SMEs will be issued with a formal application form which will need to be returned by midday on Monday 18 July. A shortlist of SMEs will be generated and must be available to attend a workshop at the Catapult innovation hub in Birmingham on Friday 12th August.

SME Networks Innovation Challenge Call

Energy Systems Catapult is launching an innovator challenge call inviting innovators with solutions that address the critical innovation challenges in the electricity and gas system to apply for incubation and acceleration support.

ESC, working closely with key industry stakeholders, will provide selected SME’s with incubation and acceleration support to develop and strengthen their ideas and businesses ready for future applications to relevant network innovation funding streams such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and Network Allowance (NIA)

The Call is aligned with the four Ofgem SIF challenge areas announced in May 2022. Listed below, these incorporate a focus on transport, heat, data and integration across the gas and electricity energy networks:

• Supporting a just energy transition: new ways to identify and support vulnerable customers and help those who are disadvantaged, fuel poor or off the gas grid to reduce heat and mobility carbon emissions
• Preparing for a net zero power system: new ways to support low-stability systems and to use new sources of energy supply and demand to help manage grids
• Improving energy system resilience and robustness: ways to develop multi-energy systems and make them more resilient, and strengthening energy system robustness so that new infrastructure can be rolled out efficiently
• Accelerating decarbonisation of major energy demands: ways to manage and integrate large-scale demands from heat and transport, integrating heat networks for wider energy network management and improving energy efficiency at all levels in the system.

The programme will have two phases. Phase 1 provides up to 10 businesses with support to develop compelling value propositions and outline business models that would prepare them for an application for Discovery phase funding. Phase 2 will provide up to 5 of these businesses with a tailored suite of commercialisation services delivered over a 5-month period.

The application deadline is midday on Monday 18 July.