# Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 5 Discovery C6

**Funder:** Ofgem
**Budget:** Up to £30 million (excl. VAT)
**Consortium:** Required — collaborations only; lead must be an Ofgem licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or Electricity System Operator
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2480/overview/96372f42-c714-4d17-91b0-dd75b9a80e17
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Collaborative Discovery Phase Projects addressing Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 5 challenges. Lead applicant must be an Ofgem licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or Electricity System Operator. Open to collaborations only; single-organisation applications are not permitted.

## Summary

The Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 5 Discovery Phase funds collaborative research projects addressing key UK energy system challenges, with up to £30 million available. Lead applicants must be an Ofgem licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or Electricity System Operator, partnering with research and industry collaborators. Consortium membership is mandatory; single-organisation applications are ineligible.

## Who should apply

- Ofgem licensed electricity or gas distribution network operators
- Electricity System Operator (ESO) as lead applicant
- Transmission operators in Great Britain
- Research institutions and industry partners in supporting roles
- Consortia addressing Ofgem Round 5 strategic challenges

## Key dates

- Discovery Phase funding available under Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 5
- Consortium structure mandatory; single-organisation applications not permitted
- Lead applicant must hold Ofgem licence or equivalent operator status

## Tips for applicants

- Lead applicant must hold active Ofgem licence, check your current status before committing collaborators.
- Frame the project as solving one of Ofgem Round 5's stated strategic challenges; alignment with published priorities strengthens evaluation.
- Partner commitment letters from research institutions and industry are essential; weak or vague co-applicant endorsements weigh against competitive scores.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can be the lead applicant for Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 5 Discovery Phase?

The lead applicant must be an Ofgem licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or the Electricity System Operator in Great Britain.

### Can I apply to Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 5 as a single organisation?

No, all applications must be submitted as consortia; single-organisation applications are not permitted.

### How much can I access from Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 5 Discovery Phase?

Up to £30 million (excl. VAT) is available across the Discovery Phase cohort; individual project budgets will be determined through the application process.

### Which countries are eligible for Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Round 5?

Only Great Britain; applicants and projects must be based in or directly serve the GB energy system.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ofgem-strategic-innovation-fund-round-5-discovery--2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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