Apply to the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)

How to apply for funding for projects that will help improve gas and electricity networks for a low-carbon future.

The Strategic Innovation Fund supports innovation in the energy sector for people to trial or launch new products, services or business models.

The fund is for projects that could speed up the transition to net zero at the lowest cost to the consumer. It is part of the RIIO price controls, and we operate the fund in partnership with Innovate UK.

Innovate UK has all the information you need about SIF on its website and social media channels. Their resources include detailed documents, podcasts and YouTube videos.

How to apply

Details about who can apply, and when, are available on Innovate UK's Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund page.

On the Innovate UK page, you will also find details of:

potential innovation partners
innovation challenges for each round
previous projects
how to subscribe to Innovate UK newsletters for SIF updates, including events

You can find more information about who can apply in the SIF governance (April 2025).

When to apply

You can apply at any stage of your project, but only when each funding round is open.

The next application round for SIF is in Cycle 4, which is open from 22 September to 22 October 2025.

Cycle 4 projects must be in the following stages:

Round 3 innovation challenges: beta
Round 4 innovation challenges: alpha or beta
Round 5 innovation challenges: discovery, alpha or beta

You need to apply through the Innovation Funding Service on GOV.UK.
If applying as a partnership, the energy licence holder must submit the application.