Innovate UK's Global Incubator Programme presents an acceleration opportunity for innovative UK-based companies to engage with world-leading incubators abroad. This specific initiative is focused on the clean energy industries sector, offering up to eight high-potential companies a chance to join a programme delivered in partnership with the Urban Future Lab (UFL) at New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering. UFL is a prominent innovation hub in Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to clean energy and sustainable urban infrastructure solutions. This is a fully funded support opportunity, not a monetary grant, designed to facilitate international growth.
Program Overview and Structure
The programme is designed for growth-stage companies with validated products or technologies seeking international commercial expansion. It requires the active participation of a senior company representative throughout its three competitive stages:
• Prepare: A UK-based preparation workshop where each company is allocated an Innovate UK Innovation and Growth Specialist or Scaleup Director. This stage involves creating a strategic action plan, receiving an overview of the New York market landscape, and refining the business value proposition.
• Pursue: A six-month period of intensive Customer Discovery supported by UFL. This includes an initial market visit to validate technology and market fit, followed by regular virtual sessions with mentors and industry experts. The stage concludes with a second sponsored market visit, culminating in a demo day to showcase achievements.
• Exploit: Continued work with the Innovation and Growth Specialist or Scaleup Director to build upon the connections, knowledge, and expertise gained, accelerating the company's global growth and scaling journey.
Eligibility and Applicant Profile
To be considered for this programme, companies must meet the following criteria:
• Be a UK-based, innovation-led company with ambitions to grow and internationalise.
• Employ fewer than 250 people.
• Have a specific focus on the clean energy industries.
Ideal candidates will also demonstrate:
• A novel or innovative solution with existing commercial traction and customer adoption.
• A strong leadership team prepared to dedicate time in New York to build key relationships.
• A willingness to adapt and incorporate feedback from network experts.
• An initial US value proposition and a hypothesis for market entry.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Innovate UK is committed to improving diversity and welcomes applications from under-represented groups within the clean energy sector. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, and the application process is designed to be accessible to everyone. Reasonable adjustments can be made for individuals with a disability or a long-term condition who face barriers during the application process.
Technological Focus Areas
The programme supports companies developing innovative products, services, and technologies in two primary categories:
• Energy Systems: Including next-gen energy storage (LDES), low-cost renewable energy generation, grid modernization, resilience-as-a-service platforms, energy demand modulation, technologies supporting the EV transition, and AI/Digital Technologies for Energy Systems.
• Industrial Decarbonisation & Alternative Fuels: Including Hydrogen, Ammonia, and Low-Carbon Fuels; energy efficiency solutions; low-cost, low-emission heat technologies; novel production of industrial products (chemicals, cement, steel); port decarbonisation; and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).
Participant Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package, which includes:
• Funded Participation: Innovate UK will fund and organise flights, accommodation, and group airport transfers for one representative from each company for the market visits.
• Strategic Planning: Development of a Strategic Action Plan with an Innovate UK Innovation & Growth Specialist or Scaleup Director.
• Market Validation: Guided support through a 6-month US customer discovery process.
• Workspace: Access to flexible workspace that can scale with company needs.
• Expert Sessions: Participation in masterclasses, workshops, and panels on US business formation and scaling.
• Ecosystem Access: Connections to the Urban Future Lab ecosystem in New York and beyond.
• Mentoring: Country-specific guidance from trusted industry experts.
• Networking and Pitching: Opportunities to connect with investors, corporate partners, and strategic networks, culminating in a Final Showcase event in New York.
Market Focus: New York
New York provides a highly ambitious and supportive environment for energy and sustainability innovation. As a global hub for finance and policy, it offers access to demonstration sites, public-private partnerships, and commercialisation pathways. The city and state are actively deploying clean technologies at scale, from electrified transport to major investments in offshore wind and grid modernization. For global innovators, New York serves as a launchpad with significant opportunities, boasting the 10th largest economy in the world and the USA's most aggressive zero-emissions electricity target (100% by 2040).
Partner Incubator: Urban Future Lab (UFL)
The Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering is a nonprofit innovation hub for leading climatetech startups. UFL has a proven track record, having supported over 200 startups that have collectively raised $4.2B and created more than 5,700 jobs, with a 92% company survival rate. It houses several initiatives, including ACRE (New York’s longest-running climatetech incubator), and is an integral part of Tandon’s Sustainable Engineering Initiative, focusing on market solutions for the green economy.
Key Dates and Deadlines
• Applicant Briefing: Wednesday 12th August 2026 at 4pm (GMT)
• Application Closing Date: Friday 4th September 2026 at 5pm (GMT)
• Shortlist Interviews: 23rd to 30th September 2026
• Notification of Success: Friday 6th October 2026
• Virtual Incubation Programme: 19th October 2026 to 31st March 2027
• Market Visit 1 (Immersion Week): 8th to 13th November 2026
• Market Visit 2 (Showcase Week): 7th to 12th March 2027
Application Support and Guidance
An applicant briefing will be held on Wednesday, 12th August at 4pm to provide more information about the programme. Interested parties can register for the virtual event. For direct guidance, Innovate UK can be contacted by email at support@iuk.ukri.org or by phone at 0300 321 4357 (lines open 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm UK time, Monday to Friday). It is recommended to seek support at least 15 working days before the closing date to ensure adequate assistance can be provided.
This programme offers a unique, fully-funded opportunity for UK-based clean energy companies to immerse themselves in one of the world's most dynamic markets. Through a structured curriculum and partnership with the esteemed Urban Future Lab, participants will gain invaluable insights, connections, and strategic guidance to accelerate their entry and growth within the United States.