Innovation Funding Programme

Our Innovation Funding call is designed to accelerate the development and commercialisation of new products, technologies, and services for the offshore wind sector.

We support ambitious projects from across the existing supply chain and adjacent industries that can solve real industry challenges, unlock growth, and strengthen the UK’s position in offshore wind.

Our focus evolves with the sector. Each funding call is shaped around the latest industry priorities, market opportunities, and strategic insights from the Industrial Growth Plan and wider stakeholder engagement. This means the themes and focus areas of the programme can change year to year — helping us back the innovations with the greatest potential to deliver impact now and in the future.

Projects supported through the programme are expected to:

• Address offshore wind innovation priorities identified by industry
• Strengthen the UK offshore wind supply chain through increased jobs, turnover, exports, and intellectual property
• Accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative UK-led products, technologies, and services

Projects must be delivered in the UK, meaning that a significant majority of the economic benefits are expected to be realised in the UK. Funding ranges from £25,000 to £200,000 and can support up to 50% of total project costs through cash or in-kind investment.

Before applying, applicants should review the latest Scope and Guidance document for full details on this year’s funding themes, priorities, eligibility criteria, and application requirements.

Our application process is designed to be clear, focused, and easy to navigate.

Start by reviewing the latest Scope and Guidance document to check your eligibility and understand this year’s funding priorities.

When you’re ready to apply, you’ll complete a short eligibility checklist through our online Submittable platform, where you can create a profile, save your progress, return at any time, and collaborate with colleagues.

The initial checklist helps us confirm your project and organisation align with OWGP requirements and the current funding call criteria. If your application meets the eligibility criteria, you’ll be invited to complete the full application stage.

Once submitted, you’ll receive confirmation and be able to track your application through the platform. The Application cosists of 9 Sections with up to 41 questions. This includes the completion of an excel workbook capturing project information.

Applications are reviewed by the OWGP team, with support from independent assessors. We look at how well your project aligns with the offshore wind sector, the clarity of your plans, and the potential impact of the investment.

Successful applicants receive tailored support over a period of 8 to 18 months, helping you to achieve your defined project objectives within a clear timeline. 

Only near-to-market ready, or market ready solutions will be eligible for support. Applicants must be able to demonstrate proof of concept with an aim to reach commercialisation by the end of the programme engagement. Should you require support for an early stage TRL project, we recommend reaching out to the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

The Industrial Growth Plan outlines critical priorities within the offshore wind supply chain through a “make” or “buy” analysis. Projects which meet one of the priorities listed under the “Make,” “Nurture to make” or “Protect” categories will be eligible for support with priority given to projects that fit into the “Make” category. Check page 6 of the IGP for a full breakdown of the priorities.

Typical engagement run between 8 - 18 months. 

If you are receiving funding from a competition launched in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to apply. 

Yes, though you will not be eligible to receive support through both programmes at the same time. We recommend apply for one programme at a time.

Yes, and vice-versa 

Typically, this would be time spent on the project and indicated in the labour costs. It may also include in-kind materials or facilities. 

No, you are not obliged to pay back the funding you receive, however, we encourage recipients to consider repaying funds awarded once the project is complete and profitable. Applicants can also offer capacity reservation on a not-for-profit basis as a form of payback. This allows us to reinvest these funds into future support programmes. 

Unlike Innovate UK, there is no set RTO or academic institution allowance. Funding is allocated to the lead organisation who can sub-contract elements of the scope to project partners. The total project costs, including allocation to sub-contracting, should be detailed in the application.

If your project does NOT align with the innovation themes, we recommend you take a look at our Development Funding Programme.