Innovate UK is inviting applications from up to eight innovative UK-based Clean Energy companies for its Global Incubator Programme, designed to facilitate growth by exploring the Singapore market. This initiative, delivered in partnership with ATUM Ventures, aims to foster new collaborations between UK and Singaporean businesses to co-develop clean energy solutions. The programme combines virtual activities with in-person market visits, providing a comprehensive platform for businesses to access fast-growing clean energy markets and support the global transition to net zero.
Programme Overview
• Programme Duration: An intensive 9 to 12-month, three-phased programme.
• Format: A hybrid model including virtual activities and two physical, week-long visits to Singapore.
• Market Visits: The first visit is scheduled for October 2026 and the second for March 2027.
• Support: Each participating business will be supported by an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist or Scale Up Director to help maximise the programme's potential.
• Partner Incubator: The programme is delivered in collaboration with ATUM Ventures, a firm that supports founders in Energy, Medtech, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Key Focus Areas
The programme is seeking companies in the Clean Energy sector, with a focus on, but not limited to, the following areas:
• Energy Systems:
- Renewable energy storage, including Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES).
- Grid tech and digital solutions for increased renewable energy deployment.
- Low-cost renewable energy generation and solar technologies, including off-grid power supply and back-up power.
- Modulation of energy demand, including energy flex, demand shift, demand reduction, or digital technologies.
- Energy technologies supporting the EV transition.
• Industrial Decarbonisation & Alternative Fuels:
- Hydrogen, Ammonia, and Low-Carbon Fuels.
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).
- Energy efficiency solutions, including digital solutions.
- Low-cost low-emission heat technologies.
- Novel production of industrial products including chemicals, cement, and steel.
- Data-Centre Decarbonisation (liquid/immersion cooling, energy management, green power).
- Port decarbonisation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be a UK-based, innovation-led small or medium-sized company (fewer than 250 employees).
• Have a specific focus on the Clean Energy sector.
• Possess clear ambitions to grow and internationalise.
• The programme is best suited for businesses that have already achieved some traction and sales in the UK.
• A senior person from the company must commit to being involved in all stages of the programme.
• Innovate UK encourages applications from under-represented groups to improve diversity.
Programme Structure
The programme is delivered across three distinct phases:
• Prepare: Participants are allocated an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist or Scale Up Director to develop a strategic action plan. This phase includes an overview of Singapore's innovation landscape, a full programme briefing, and support in refining business value propositions.
• Pursue: This 4-6 month stage involves deep engagement with the incubator, ATUM Ventures. It begins with an initial market visit for technology and market fit validation and introductions to the local ecosystem. 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.
• Exploit: Following the in-market activities, participants continue to work with their Innovate UK advisor to leverage the connections, knowledge, and networks gained to accelerate their global growth. The programme concludes with an alumni event to celebrate successes and foster continued progress.
Programme Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package, which includes:
• Funded Market Access: Group flights, group accommodation, and group airport transfers for one representative per company are funded and organised by Innovate UK.
• In-Market Visits: Two structured, week-long visits to Singapore in October 2026 and March 2027.
• Dedicated Expert Support: One-to-one strategic guidance from an Innovate UK Business Growth Specialist or Scale Up Director throughout the programme.
• Access to ATUM Ventures: Direct engagement with a leading innovation and investment firm, including tailored programming, mentorship, and check-ins.
• Market Validation: Opportunities for preliminary customer validation and to gain a deep understanding of the Singaporean market.
• Investor and Partner Connectivity: Curated introductions to key ecosystem players, mentors, and potential investors.
• Demo Day Showcase: A platform to present company achievements to stakeholders and raise its profile in the region.
• Long-Term Alumni Network: Access to an ongoing support network and alumni events to sustain momentum after the programme concludes.
Financial Details
• Programme Funding: This is a fully funded support opportunity, not a monetary grant. Innovate UK covers the costs of group flights, accommodation, and airport transfers for one representative from each company.
• Commitment Fee: A commitment fee of £2,000 is required upon acceptance of the offer. This fee is fully refundable upon completion of the programme's activities and the agreed work plan. The fee may be forfeited in cases of non-completion or breach of conduct.
Key Dates and Application Information
• Applicant Briefing: Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at 9:00 AM (BST).
• Application Deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026 at 5:00 PM (BST).
• Shortlist Interviews: Week commencing Monday, 7 September 2026.
• Successful Applicants Notified: Monday, 14 September 2026.
• Virtual Programme Kick-off: Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
• Market Visit 1: Monday, 26 October – Friday, 30 October 2026 (travel dates: 24–31 October).
• Market Visit 2: Monday, 1 March – Friday, 5 March 2027 (travel dates: 28 February – 6 March).
• Virtual Incubation Programme: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 – Friday, 12 March 2027.
This Global Incubator Programme represents a significant opportunity for high-growth UK companies in the clean energy sector to strategically enter and scale within the dynamic Singaporean market, a key gateway to Southeast Asia. Through expert guidance, curated networking, and direct market immersion, participants are positioned to build valuable partnerships, validate their technologies, and accelerate their international expansion journey in a region actively investing in a sustainable future.