In an ambitious move to tackle the global challenge of achieving net-zero emissions, Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to launch a competition that promises to catalyse groundbreaking advancements in Net Zero Technologies. With a substantial investment of up to £2 million, this initiative invites collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects from the brightest minds and most innovative businesses across the UK and India.

A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
The competition highlights the power of international collaboration in addressing climate challenges. With a focus on business-led, bilateral projects, this initiative aims to support the development of transformative technologies that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. By uniting UK and Indian expertise, the program seeks to accelerate progress toward a sustainable future while fostering economic growth in both nations.

Key Objectives of the Competition
The competition is structured to deliver impactful outcomes, emphasising the following objectives:

1. Disruptive Innovation: Projects must demonstrate groundbreaking ideas that lead to the development of new products, processes, or services.
2. Economic Impact: Initiatives should outline clear pathways for commercialisation and economic benefits in both countries.
3. Collaborative Value: The partnership must showcase the advantages of bilateral collaboration, ensuring balanced contributions from both nations.
4. Net Zero Focus: Proposals should directly contribute to achieving net-zero emissions, addressing key areas such as renewable energy, advanced materials, decarbonising manufacturing, and more.

How the Competition Works
The process ensures fairness, transparency, and genuine collaboration:

• Dual Applications: UK participants must apply via the Innovation Funding Service (IFS), while Indian partners submit a parallel application to the Technology Development Board (TDB).
• Independent Selection: Both Innovate UK and TDB must independently select the project for it to receive funding, ensuring mutual alignment on priorities and standards.
• Collaborative Teams: Each consortium must include at least one registered business from both the UK and India, with no single partner undertaking more than 70% of the project work.

Funding and Eligibility
Grant Details:

• UK Grant Range: £100,000 to £300,000
• Project Duration: 6–18 months, starting by 1st September 2025 and ending by 31st March 2027.

Eligibility Criteria:

• UK lead applicants must be registered businesses and involve at least one SME.
• Indian partners must apply separately through TDB and are not eligible for funding from Innovate UK.
• Proposals must focus on activities undertaken primarily in the UK and India, ensuring a balanced and equitable partnership.

Thematic Areas for Innovation
To maximise impact, the competition invites proposals in specific priority areas that align with the overarching goal of achieving net zero. These include but are not limited to:

• Advanced Materials: Developing materials that enhance energy efficiency or reduce carbon footprints.
• Decarbonising Manufacturing: Innovating processes to minimise emissions in industrial production.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Advancing technologies for clean, sustainable energy generation.
• Energy Storage and Distribution: Improving systems for storing and transmitting renewable energy.
• Decarbonising Mobility: Innovating transportation solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This thematic focus ensures that the funded projects contribute meaningfully to addressing critical challenges in achieving net zero.

Why This Competition Matters

1. Global Impact Through Collaboration: The programme highlights the importance of leveraging diverse expertise to solve global challenges. By combining the UK’s advanced research capabilities with India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, this initiative exemplifies the potential of cross-border partnerships to drive meaningful change.
2. Economic Growth and Market Opportunities: Beyond environmental benefits, the competition offers participants a unique opportunity to tap into new markets. With clear pathways to commercialisation, the projects are expected to generate substantial economic returns and foster sustainable growth in both countries.
3. Advancing Technological Frontiers: By supporting high-risk, high-reward projects, the program encourages participants to push the boundaries of existing technologies, ensuring that the UK and India remain at the forefront of the global innovation landscape.

Application Process

1. Prepare Your Proposal: Develop a compelling project idea that aligns with the competition’s themes and objectives. Ensure that it includes a clear business plan, financial viability, and potential for significant economic and environmental impact.
2. Build Your Consortium: Collaborate with at least one registered business in India that is independent of the UK partners.
3. Submit Applications:
   o UK participants: Apply via the IFS portal.
   o Indian participants: Submit a parallel application to the TDB program.
4. Demonstrate Collaboration: Showcase a balanced technological contribution from all partners and ensure the project is truly bilateral.
5. Meet the Deadlines: Ensure your application is submitted before 11 am (UK time) on Wednesday, 12th February 2025.

Key Considerations for Success
To stand out in this competitive process, applicants should focus on:

• Clear Commercial Intent: Highlight how the project results will be commercialised and generate value in domestic and global markets.
• Robust Collaboration: Demonstrate genuine cooperation between UK and Indian partners, with balanced contributions and shared benefits.
• Sustainability Impact: Provide evidence of how the project will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero.
• Financial Soundness: Ensure the project offers good value for money with well-defined financial plans and timelines.

A Portfolio Approach
Innovate UK and TDB aim to fund a diverse range of projects to ensure a balanced portfolio across different technologies and sectors. This approach maximises the competition’s impact, fostering innovation in multiple areas critical to achieving net zero.

For more information about this opportunity, contact RedKnight.