Innovate UK is inviting ambitious, innovation-led companies to participate in the Global Incubator Programme, specifically targeting the Clean Energy sector. This initiative, delivered in partnership with the T-Hub innovation campus in Hyderabad, India, is designed to support up to 10 UK-based businesses in exploring commercial opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and validating their solutions within the rapidly expanding Indian clean energy ecosystem. The programme aligns with the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy, which identifies Clean Energy Industries as a frontier sector with significant potential for economic growth and global impact, aiming to leverage UK strengths to meet the growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Programme Overview
• Duration: An intensive 9 to 12-month, three-phased programme.
• Format: A hybrid model combining physical, in-market activities with virtual sessions.
• Market Visits: Includes two week-long visits to Hyderabad, India, scheduled for November 2026 and March 2027.
• Support: Participants receive bespoke support from an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist or Scale Up Director throughout the programme.
Eligibility and Target Sectors
• Company Profile: Applicants must be UK-based, innovation-led companies with fewer than 250 employees and ambitions to grow and internationalise. The programme is best suited for businesses with existing traction in the UK.
• Commitment: A senior representative from the company must commit to being involved in all stages of the programme.
• Focus Area: The programme is for companies operating in the Clean Energy sector. Innovations with the potential to address shared UK-India priorities are particularly welcome.
• Specific Technologies (Energy Systems): Grid tech and digital solutions for renewable energy deployment, energy technologies for the EV transition, low-cost renewable energy generation including off-grid and back-up power, and renewable energy storage (including LDES).
• Specific Technologies (Industrial Decarbonisation & Alternative Fuels): Hydrogen, Ammonia, and Low-Carbon Fuels; energy efficiency solutions including digital solutions; and low-cost, low-emission heat technologies.
Programme Structure
• Phase 1: Prepare: Participants are allocated an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist or Scale Up Director to develop a strategic action plan. This stage includes an overview of India's innovation landscape, a full programme briefing, and support in refining business value propositions.
• Phase 2: Pursue: This 4-6 month stage involves deep engagement with the T-Hub incubator. It begins with the first market visit for technology and market fit validation. This is followed by regular virtual sessions with mentors and experts. The stage concludes with a second market visit, featuring a demo day to showcase achievements and connect with the ecosystem.
• Phase 3: Exploit: Following the in-market activities, participants work with their specialist to leverage the networks and knowledge gained to accelerate their global growth. The programme concludes with an alumni event to celebrate successes and foster ongoing progress.
Key Benefits for Participants
• Funded Market Access: Innovate UK will fund and organise group flights, group accommodation, and group airport transfer fees for one representative from each company.
• Expert Support: Each business receives bespoke, one-to-one strategic support from an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist or Scale Up Director for the entire 9–12-month duration.
• T-Hub Ecosystem Access: Direct connection to T-Hub, including in-market programming, virtual sessions, one-to-one mentor engagements, and team check-ins.
• Market Validation: Structured opportunities to test technology fit, conduct customer validation, and understand the Indian market.
• Investor and Partner Connectivity: Introductions to key ecosystem players, mentors, and potential investors.
• Demo Day Showcase: A dedicated opportunity to present achievements to stakeholders, raising the company's profile.
• Long-Term Alumni Network: Ongoing support and access to an alumni network to sustain momentum after the programme.
Financial Information
• Programme Funding: This is a fully funded support opportunity, not a monetary grant. Innovate UK covers costs for group flights, accommodation, and in-market transfers for one representative.
• Commitment Fee: A commitment fee of £2,000 is required upon acceptance of the offer. This fee is refunded upon successful completion of the programme's full activities and agreed work plan.
Application Timeline and Key Dates
• Applicant Briefing: Tuesday 21 July 2026 at 10am (BST)
• Application Deadline: Sunday 16 August 2026 at 5pm (BST)
• Shortlist Interviews: Tuesday 15 September – Thursday 17 September 2026
• Successful Applicants Notified: Friday 18 September 2026
• Virtual Programme Kick-off: Tuesday 6 October 2026
• Incubation Programme (Virtual): Monday 16 November 2026 – Friday 12 March 2027
• Market Visit 1 (Hyderabad): Monday 2 November – Friday 13 November 2026
• Market Visit 2 (Hyderabad): Monday 15 March – Friday 26 March 2027
This programme offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of the world's fastest-growing clean energy markets. India's ambitious targets, including reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, are driving significant investment and creating a fertile ground for innovation. By partnering with T-Hub, recognised as India's Best Incubator, participants will gain unparalleled access to a pioneering ecosystem that has supported over 3,000 startups and forged more than 700 partnerships, providing a strong foundation for UK businesses to accelerate their commercialisation and market growth.