# Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Discovery C6

**Funder:** Ofgem
**Budget:** Up to £30M (excl. VAT)
**Consortium:** Required — collaborations only; lead must be an Ofgem licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or National Electricity System Operator
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ofgem-strategic-innovation-fund-discovery-c6/
**Last verified:** 19 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Collaborative Discovery Phase Projects addressing Ofgem Innovation Challenges. Lead applicant must be an Ofgem-licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or National Electricity System Operator. Open to collaborations only; single-organisation applications are not permitted.

## Summary

The Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Discovery C6 funds collaborative research projects up to £30M addressing Ofgem Innovation Challenges in the GB energy sector. Lead applicants must be Ofgem-licensed electricity or gas distribution networks, transmission operators, or the National Electricity System Operator; all applications must involve cross-organisation collaboration. This is a competitive discovery-phase scheme for innovation in energy networks and system operation.

## Who should apply

- Ofgem-licensed electricity or gas distribution networks, transmission operators, or National Electricity System Operator (lead only)
- Consortia addressing one or more of the published Ofgem Innovation Challenges
- Collaborative partnerships with technology, research, or service provider organisations
- Projects that advance innovation in energy network management, system operation, or decarbonisation

## Key dates

- Discovery Phase project duration and application deadline to be confirmed on Ofgem portal
- Consortium-only model; single-organisation applications ineligible

## Tips for applicants

- The lead organisation is gated to licensed Ofgem network operators; if you are a technology provider or academic partner, you must have a named licensed operator as consortium lead.
- Align your project scope tightly to one or more of Ofgem's published Innovation Challenge briefs, generic energy innovation proposals do not fit this call.
- Consortium agreements and roles should be explicit upfront; Ofgem expects clear evidence of collaboration and shared commitment, not token partnerships.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget for Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Discovery C6?

Up to £30M (excluding VAT) per collaborative project.

### Can a single organisation apply to the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Discovery C6?

No, applications must involve collaboration between multiple organisations; single-organisation proposals are not permitted.

### Who can be the lead applicant on an Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Discovery C6 project?

The lead must be an Ofgem-licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or the National Electricity System Operator.

### What types of organisations can partner in an Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Discovery C6 consortium?

Technology providers, research organisations, service providers, and other collaborators can join as partners, but only a licensed operator can lead.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ofgem-strategic-innovation-fund-discovery-c6-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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