Short discovery projects addressing published energy-network challenges, with network leadership and at least 10% private contribution.
A startup cannot apply alone or lead this call. The lead must be an eligible Ofgem-licensed network operator or NESO.
Lead: eligible licensed gas or electricity network operator, or NESO. Startups and SMEs can join as project partners.Startups can bring forecasting, optimisation, digital twins, inspection or network-intelligence capability, but the work must answer a published network challenge and be led by an eligible network organisation.
01The lead must be an eligible licensed network operator or NESO.
02The application must be collaborative and answer a published Cycle 7 challenge.
03The request is capped at £200,000 excluding VAT and requires at least 10% private contribution.
01Identify the closest official network challenge.
02Approach an eligible network or NESO team and agree the problem owner.
03Set partner role, IP, private contribution and deliverables before the network submits.
HubAI checked this record on 21 September 2026. Funding pages can change; the funder’s page remains authoritative.
This briefing is general information, not legal, financial, tax or grant-writing advice. HubAI does not determine eligibility or funding outcomes.