UK Innovators – scale up your clean transport and energy solution in India

Want government-backed support to access one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets? 

Innovating for Transport and Energy Systems has launched a new opportunity for UK SMEs, led by Energy System Catapult and the Indian Institute of Science, with Social Alpha.  

A new challenge call will help UK SMEs fast track their solutions that tackle energy system and transport decarbonisation challenges to market in India and the UK. 

Key benefits

The challenge call offers tailored support for clean tech startups and SMEs that are developing solutions in transport and energy systems, including: 

• Expert incubation to boost your commercial capabilities in India 
• Exclusive masterclasses that offer market knowledge and advantage 
• Small amounts of seed grant funding 
• Tailored pitch development to attract investors 
• Unique access to market stakeholders and relationship building opportunities 
• Strategic matching with Indian entities 
• Real-world testing, pilot, and demonstration projects in India 
• Bespoke and exclusive resources, including market research 

Key information 

• Why apply: As part of the ITES programme, SMEs will join a major initiative to drive UK-India innovation, providing unrivalled access to the Indian market and major stakeholders.  This is a unique opportunity to give your innovation a safe landing in India. Taking part will make it quicker, cheaper, and easier to test and launch a product or service in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for clean transport and energy solutions. 
• Who should apply: The programme is for UK SMEs that are developing solutions that support the decarbonisation of transport and the wider energy system.  Innovative businesses of all sizes are invited to apply. See below for specific technology and solution areas. 
• What is on offer: Our experts will assess your organisation’s fit for the Indian market and, together with you, will help define the next steps to bring you success at your pace – from engagement with local partners to research collaborations and pilot projects, supported by our in-country resources and partners. Innovators may benefit from ITES’ ongoing collaboration with  Social Alpha, which will offer businesses exclusive opportunities to engage with relevant events, innovators and stakeholders in India. 

Launching SME success stories
ITES is the flagship initiative for UK clean transport and energy innovators interested in the Indian market. It helps SMEs test, fund, and grow their transport decarbonisation solutions in India through incubation, joint research, pilots and unique UK-India partnerships. 

ITES currently supports 26 high-potential UK innovators, each making significant strides in clean energy systems and transport technologies. Learn more in our latest SME Brochure.  

Led by Energy Systems Catapult and the Indian Institute for Science, ITES was commissioned by Innovate UK, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the British High Commission in India in 2022.  

“Programmes like ITES are critical in ensuring UK innovators can play a crucial role in the clean energy boom, supporting sustainable growth for both our nations.” 

Will Tope, CEO, LiNa Energy
ITES SME, Cohort 1 

“ITES fosters an interactive ecosystem of SMEs that can connect ideas and solutions across different technologies and services – that’s why this programme is so important.” 

Rajat Rakkhit, CEO, Nexmu
ITES SME, Cohort 1 

The Challenge

As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India represents a developing challenge for the Net Zero transition. While India is committed to Net Zero by 2070 it is currently the third-largest carbon emitter globally, with transport a major source of emissions. In India, Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs) and cars contribute 60% of total road transport emissions, with freight and passenger volumes expected to grow by 6% annually until 2030, triple the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average. Faced with this challenge, India has ambitious plans to be a world-leader in the clean transport market. 

The ITES initiative aims to find and fast track accessible, affordable, and commercially viable clean transport solutions that support India’s decarbonisation ambition. Innovations will also support India’s power grid and energy infrastructure to successfully anticipate and manage new low carbon technologies and services. 

Who should apply?
If you’re an innovator operating in any of the areas set out below, we’d like to hear from you. Innovators with a solution outside of these focus areas but still addressing transport and energy system decarbonisation are also encouraged to apply. 

• Battery management systems 
• Battery recycling 
• Battery swapping 
• Biofuels 
• Charging solutions and propositions 
• Consumer engagement and outreach 
• Energy storage & delivery 
• Energy systems flexibility management 
• EV fleet management 
• Grid stability 
• Hydrogen 
• Maritime & port systems 
• Microgrids 
• Micro-mobility 
• Public transportation & planning 
• Rail 
• Site-based / campus-based energy management 
• Shared mobility 
• Smart-charging 

Connect with us

Got more questions? Contact us at info@ites.org should you need support with your application.