Innovate UK Business Connect is selecting up to 15 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for the 2026 Battery Investment Readiness Programme. This initiative is designed to accelerate the investment journey for participating companies within the battery technology sector.
Program Overview and Structure
• Program Duration: A 12-week hybrid programme combining expert-led online and in-person workshops.
• Learning Environment: Sessions are designed to foster deep peer-to-peer learning, build trusted relationships, and provide direct access to industry experts. In-person participation is strongly encouraged to maximize networking and collaborative feedback opportunities.
• Core Focus: The curriculum will support companies in honing their pitch to investors, gaining a better understanding of the funding landscape, preparing investment materials, and confidently delivering a compelling commercial story.
• Investor Engagement: Participants will have regular touchpoints with investors and mentors to help navigate the fundraising process, make new connections, and advance their investment journey.
• Final Showcase: The programme culminates in a live Showcase event where selected cohort members will pitch to an audience of investors active in the battery, transport, and critical materials sectors.
Key Outcomes for Participants
• A developed suite of investor pitch materials, including an elevator deck, investor deck, and demo deck.
• Greater confidence in conducting investor meetings, negotiations, and navigating due diligence.
• A clear articulation of the company's value proposition, market, intellectual property, financials, and growth plans.
• Direct pitch feedback from investors and industry experts.
• Collaborative relationships built with the cohort, industry experts, and Innovate UK representatives.
• A live investor pitch experience at the final Showcase event in January 2027 for selected participants.
Eligibility and Candidate Profile
• Company Status: Applicants must be a UK-registered SME.
• Technology Focus: The company must be actively developing hardware or software solutions within the battery value chain, such as materials, components, cells, recycling, or enabling technologies.
• Target Markets: The solution should serve sectors including automotive, aerospace, defence, maritime, rail, or grid storage.
• Investment Stage: The programme is for companies seeking to build relationships with investors and/or raise capital within the next 6–12 months.
• Ideal Candidate: The content is tailored for established companies with a defined product or solution. It may not be suitable for recently incorporated ventures still in the idea-shaping phase.
• Prior Participation: Applicants must not have participated in any previous Innovate UK Battery Investment Readiness Programmes from 2021 to 2024.
Program Details
• Organisation: Innovate UK Business Connect.
• Opportunity Type: Business growth, Training and resources.
• Award: Benefits include pitching and funding support, contacts with investors and mentors, and a live showcase event.
• Target Sectors: Chemistry, Electronics, Energy, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Materials, Sensors, Sustainability, and Transport.
• Location: The programme is open to companies across the UK, including the East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, North East (England), North West (England), Northern Ireland, Scotland, South West (England), Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber.
Application Process and Timeline
• Expression of Interest (EOI) Deadline: 4th September 2026.
• Notification of Selection: Applicants will be notified during the week commencing 14th September 2026.
• Application Requirement: To express interest, applicants must upload a 5-minute video in standard MP4 format describing their company and relevant technology.
• Proposed In-Person Workshop Dates: 12th October 2026, 2nd November 2026, and 10th December 2026.
• Further Information: Additional details on competition dates will be provided in due course.
This programme focuses on developing and championing a diversity of talent to create a stronger battery ecosystem for the UK. Applications from under-represented individuals and female applicants are strongly encouraged. For any questions regarding the programme, please contact Jacky Cope.