# Battery Innovation Programme: battery skills initiatives

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** Up to £3.7 million
**Consortium:** No
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/battery-innovation-programme-battery-skills-initiatives/
**Last verified:** 19 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UK-registered organisations only. Open to single applicants and collaborations. Lead applicant must be an academic institution, research or technology organisation, charity, not-for-profit, or public sector organisation. Funds establishing or scaling regional skills initiatives for battery manufacturing and its supply chain.

## Summary

The UKRI Battery Innovation Programme funds the establishment and scaling of regional skills initiatives for battery manufacturing and supply-chain roles across the UK, with grants up to £3.7 million. Single applicants and collaborations are welcome, provided the lead is an academic institution, research organisation, technology provider, charity, not-for-profit, or public sector body. This call targets workforce development and regional economic resilience in the critical battery sector.

## Who should apply

- UK-registered academic institutions, research organisations, or technology providers
- Charities, not-for-profit organisations, and public sector bodies eligible as lead applicants
- Organisations establishing new or scaling existing regional skills training programmes
- Single applicants and multi-partner collaborations welcome
- Applicants focused on workforce development in battery manufacturing and related supply-chain sectors

## Key dates

- Funding first listed 10 May 2026; verify the closing deadline on UKRI's funding portal

## Tips for applicants

- Regional impact is core: demonstrate how your initiative addresses local skills gaps in battery manufacturing and supply-chain roles.
- UKRI prioritises scalability; include evidence of demand from employers and a clear pathway to expand the initiative beyond the initial funding period.
- Collaborations with industry partners and further/higher education institutions strengthen the case; link training directly to identified vacancies.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I apply for under the UKRI Battery Innovation Programme?

Up to £3.7 million per project. The exact upper limit and any project-size guidance should be confirmed on the UKRI funding portal.

### Who can be the lead applicant for the Battery Innovation Programme?

A UK-registered academic institution, research organisation, technology provider, charity, not-for-profit, or public sector body. Single applicants and consortia are both eligible.

### What kind of skills initiatives does this fund?

The programme funds establishment and scaling of regional training initiatives for battery manufacturing and its supply-chain workforce, including occupations across production, logistics, and related sectors.

### Can organisations outside the UK apply to the Battery Innovation Programme?

No, only UK-registered organisations are eligible for this call.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-battery-innovation-programme-battery-skills-initia-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.