£20 million fund for UK battery innovation
A major new funding opportunity has opened for UK businesses working on the next generation of battery technology.
Feasibility and concept development funding for battery technology
Innovate UK has launched Battery Innovation Round 1, investing up to £20 million in projects that will strengthen supply chains, boost innovation, and help the UK compete globally in the fast-growing battery market.
Delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade through the Battery Innovation Programme, the competition supports collaborative projects focused on:
- developing and commercialising new battery technologies
- growing the UK's battery supply chain
- improving global competitiveness
- demonstrating real-world applications across sectors
The competition has two strands.
Battery Innovation Concept Development Round 1
The Concept Development strand supports early-stage, collaborative research into new and innovative battery technologies. Projects can apply for £500,000 to £4 million and should last between one and three years. This funding is aimed at partnerships exploring bold ideas with strong commercial potential - from advanced materials to new manufacturing processes or recycling solutions. Projects should lay the groundwork for future large-scale development, helping to strengthen the UK's capability across the full battery value chain.
Find out more about Battery Innovation Concept Development Round 1.
Battery Innovation Feasibility Studies Round 1
The Feasibility Studies strand funds shorter, focused projects to test whether a new battery technology or approach is technically and commercially viable. Businesses can apply for £70,000 to £500,000 for projects lasting six to 18 months. This strand is designed to help companies and researchers trial new materials, components or production methods, assess performance in real-world settings, and build evidence needed for future investment or scale-up.
Find out more about Battery Innovation Feasibility Studies Round 1.
Both strands open for applications on 23 October and close at 11am on 17 December 2025.
A briefing webinar will take place on 29 October 2025. Find out more and register for the online briefing.
For updates on new opportunities, follow the Battery Innovation Programme page on LinkedIn.
First published 21 October 2025