The challenge holder is seeking an unbiased, whole estate renewable energy optimisation and master planning and investment decision-support solution capable of informing real capital investment decisions identifying the most effective combination of generation, storage, heating, and grid interaction technologies for a complex rural estate, while navigating significant planning, regulatory and infrastructure constraints.
This challenge is part of the Innovate UK Southwest Wales Net Zero Industry Launchpad iX (By submitting an application to this Innovation Exchange (iX) challenge, you acknowledge and agree that the information you provide will be shared with Innovate UK Business Connect and the challenge holder for the purposes of assessment and selection. All information submitted will be handled in confidence and shared only with those involved in the assessment and selection process under appropriate confidentiality expectations.
Please consider the level of detail you share in your submission to ensure it aligns with your own internal confidentiality or disclosure policies.
A selected panel of assessors will review and score your application. The panel of assessors will meet and agree a consensus score. Successful solutions will be selected by the challenge holder. Success will be based upon total consensus scores, a portfolio approach and capacity within the challenge holder’s organisation to carry out the projects.
For more information on how Innovate UK Business Connect handles personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
 pilot, enabling selected innovators to access Innovate UK grant funding of up to £25,000 to deliver a 3 month pilot project through the iX programme.


The Innovate UK Net Zero Industry Launchpad is using the Innovate UK Business Connect&nbsp;<a href="https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/programme/innovation-exchange/">Innovation Exchange </a>(iX) platform to offer an exciting new pilot competition using the iX platform to support challenges that benefit or impact on Southwest Wales.
The aim of this competition is to support outstanding innovation projects that will impact on Southwest Wales. The pilot - South West Wales Launchpad Net Zero iX Challenges, aims to foster collaborative partnerships between a challenge holder &amp; solution provider to deliver a project that that will accelerate the adoption of industrial circular economy, net zero or decarbonisation innovations within and across sectors for the Net Zero Industry launchpad in Southwest Wales.
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Background

The estate requires a holistic, geospatially informed, techno‑economic energy strategy that determines:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">The optimal combination of renewable energy technologies for the estate, including micro‑hydro, solar PV, solar thermal, wind, biomass, heat pumps, battery and thermal storage.</li>
<li>How to phase the deployment of these technologies to reduce risk, maximise return and minimise planning or regulatory barriers.</li>
<li>How to integrate existing assets (e.g., an established micro‑hydro system and biomass boilers) into a future‑proofed model.</li>
<li>How to navigate complex constraints, including:</li>
</ul>
stringent planning requirements for listed buildings and rural landscapes&nbsp;
drainage (SAB) approvals&nbsp;
Natural Resources Wales licensing for hydro&nbsp;
grid capacity limits, standing charges and connection delays&nbsp;
seasonal and event‑driven demand fluctuations
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Whether generation should be prioritised for on‑site use, export, or storage, and under what conditions.</li>
<li>Consider productive and economically viable uses of excess on-site renewable generation, where compatible with site constraints.</li>
<li>How to minimise the risk of costly mis‑steps caused by vendor‑driven recommendations.</li>
<li>Explicitly determine the maximum coincident electrical demand under realistic operating scenarios and confirm whether the existing or planned grid connection is sufficient, including identification of any required demand management strategies.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Evaluate the current metering and connection structure (e.g. multiple MPANs) and identify opportunities to optimise configuration, including consolidation, sub-metering or reconfiguration, to reduce standing charges, improve tariff access and enhance operational efficiency.</li>
</ul>
The challenge holder seeks a decision‑support framework and master plan that:
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">is impartial and vendor‑agnostic,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">provides a clear, sequenced investment roadmap, and</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">offers guidance that other rural Welsh businesses could replicate.</li>
</ul>
If selected, the solution provider will be supported to apply for up to &pound;25,000 grant funding to deliver a 3‑month project through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS). The funding will cover a 3-month project, the details of which will need to be refined with the challenge holder. It is recognised that the breadth of this challenge may require a collaborative approach between potential solution providers. Such an approach would be welcomed subject to discussion.

The Challenge

93aac29d-75c8-4c55-8775-2aa0e8f61a19/iXImages33.png

A picture to show the estate

The solution should:
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Assess the entire estate&rsquo;s energy demand profile, including seasonal variations, peak event loads and future‑growth scenarios (e.g., EV charging, additional accommodation or weddings).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Include geospatial mapping of the estate, identifying optimal siting for generation and storage technologies.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Provide a combined technology assessment, rather than single‑technology recommendations.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Incorporate planning constraints (heritage buildings, visual impact, NRW licensing, drainage rules).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Define a phased implementation strategy that minimises disruption, cost and planning risk.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Include a decision‑support tool or dashboard, enabling the estate to test scenarios (e.g., adding/removing wind, heat pumps, battery storage).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Present findings in a form that can be used to support future planning applications, grid discussions and investment cases.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Consider resilience requirements, including provision for backup power (e.g. generator or hybrid solutions) to support critical loads during outages, particularly for event operations.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Consider future-proofing of the energy system, including potential for microgrid operation (including islanding where appropriate), increased electrification, and emerging technologies, focusing on those with realistic deployment potential within a 5&ndash;10 year horizon.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Deliver practical guidance that non‑technical users can follow.</li>
</ul>

Functional Requirements

The solution must:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">Use quantitative modelling of electrical and thermal demand (hourly/seasonal variation).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Model generation profiles for hydro, solar PV, solar thermal, wind and biomass, including sensitivity analysis.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Include storage modelling: lithium‑ion or alternative technologies, off‑grid vs grid‑interactive modes.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Integrate grid constraint modelling, including capacity thresholds, standing charge impacts, and import/export strategies.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Identify regulatory triggers (e.g., SAB thresholds, NRW licensing requirements, planning burdens).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Produce a final master plan with clear outputs:</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>optimal technology mix&nbsp;</li>
<li>expected performance</li>
<li>costs, payback and ROI&nbsp;</li>
<li>planning and regulatory pathway&nbsp;</li>
<li>detailed sequencing</li>
</ol>
Remain technology‑agnostic and free from commercial bias.

Technical Requirements

The solution must:
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Be suitable for a rural, mixed‑use estate with agricultural activity, tourist accommodation, and heritage constraints.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Consider:</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">high rainfall (good hydro resource)&nbsp;</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;limited grid availability and long‑distance cable routing via third‑party land</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">multiple dispersed buildings&nbsp;</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">low‑connectivity digital environment (no fibre broadband)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Avoid invasive requirements on heritage buildings unless essential and justified.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Be functional for varying occupancy conditions, including peak loads of 50+ guests during events.</li>
</ul>

Operating Conditions

The solution must not:
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Provide single‑technology sales or vendor‑specific proposals.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Recommend specific makes/models of equipment.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Deliver installation or construction services (planning and design only).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Ignore planning, environmental or grid constraints.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Produce generic academic reports without actionable outputs.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Propose approaches that require activities ineligible for MFA funding (e.g., primary agriculture production).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Provide advice that cannot feasibly be implemented under real constraints of the site.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Produce high-level or conceptual outputs that are not sufficiently detailed or quantified to directly inform real-world investment decisions.</li>
</ul>
IUK cannot fund projects that:
<ul>
<li>involve primary production in fishery and aquaculture</li>
<li>involve primary production in agriculture</li>
<li>are not allowed under <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/general-guidance/funding-rules/#contents-list">de minimis regulation restrictions</a></li>
<li>are not eligible to receive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/general-guidance/funding-rules/#contents-list:~:text=Minimal%20Financial%20Assistance%20(MFA)%20and%20EU%20de%20minimis%20awards">Minimal Financial Assistance</a></li>
<li>are dependent on export performance, for example, giving an award to a baker on the condition that they export a certain quantity of bread to another country</li>
</ul>

Out of Scope

Solutions must fit within a maximum R&amp;D budget of &pound;25,000, covering delivery of a 3‑month pilot project. Proposals should demonstrate cost-effective pathways to scale.

Cost Requirement

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pitch to the challenge holder. The winning applicant will be eligible to apply for a project grant of up to &pound;25,000 to deliver a 3‑month pilot.
There is significant potential for wider adoption: many rural Welsh estates face similar constraints (heritage buildings, planning challenges, poor grid connections, complex licensing). A successful methodology could be replicable across multiple sites in Wales and the UK.
The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:
<ul>
<li>Support from Innovate UK Business Connect</li>
<li>Support in the development of a prototype or pilot</li>
<li>Technical support</li>
<li>Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events</li>
<li>A potential business collaboration</li>
<li>Investor introductions (if investment is required)</li>
</ul>
Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.

Rewards & Market Opportunity

<ul>
<li>Challenge launch: 30th March 2026</li>
<li>Deadline for applications: 06th May 2026</li>
<li>Selection and notification of finalists: 20th May 2026</li>
<li>Pitch Day: 27th May 2026</li>
<li>Confirm selected solution provider: 2nd June 2026</li>
<li>Submission to Innovation Funding Service (IFS): 8th June 2026</li>
<li>Project length: projects must be completed in 3 months</li>
<li>Start date: Not start before 1st June 2026</li>
</ul>

Timescales

To lead a project as a solution provider your organisation must be a UK registered:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-of-a-company-annual-requirements/life-of-a-company-part-1-accounts#micro-entity">micro, small or medium sized enterprise</a> (SME)</li>
<li>academic institution</li>
<li>research and technology organisation (RTO)</li>
<li>community interest company (CIC) or charity</li>
</ul>
Subcontractors are allowed in this competition
Subcontractors can be from anywhere in the UK and you must select them through your usual procurement process.
<div>
<div>
<div class="msocomtxt">
Your project must:
<ul>
<li>have a grant funding request of up to &pound;25,000</li>
<li>last for three months</li>
<li>Not start before 1st June 2026</li>
<li>Must end by 31st March 2027</li>
</ul>
Any funded organisation needs to carry out their project work in the UK and must intend to exploit the project results from or in the UK.
Applications will be assessed on: 
<ul>
<li>Relevance to the defined challenge</li>
<li>Benefit of implementation</li>
<li>Feasibility/economic viability</li>
<li>Innovative nature</li>
<li>Ability to launch in line with expected timescales</li>
<li>Credibility of applicant company</li>
<li>Coherence of the proposed business model</li>
<li>Development potential</li>
<li>Maturity of the solution</li>
<li>Suitability for the intended geographic market</li>
</ul>
If selected, the solution provider will be supported to apply for&nbsp;up to &pound;25,000 grant funding&nbsp;to deliver a&nbsp;3‑month project&nbsp;through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS).
Applicants will need to upload the following documents to IFS once notified:
<ul>
<li>Project plan</li>
<li>Project costing</li>
<li>Minimal Financial Assistance (and de minimis where applicable) declaration (details can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/general-guidance/funding-rules/">here)</a></li>
</ul>
Minimal Financial Assistance:
Grant funding in this competition is awarded as Minimal Financial assistance (MFA). This allows public bodies to award up to &pound;315,000 to an enterprise in a 3-year rolling financial period. If your application is successful and you are invited to apply for grant funding you will be asked to declare previous funding received by you. This will form part of the financial checks ahead of Innovate UK making a formal grant offer.
</div>
</div>
</div>

Eligibility & Assessment Criteria

Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.
Any commercial deployment of a transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership, or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.
Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder. (This would be expected to be after company selection, it is suggested that details of IP be not disclosed, focus on the outcomes of the technology proposed).
Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect do not take any share of IP ownership or enter commercial ventures through the iX programme.
&nbsp;

IP & Potential Commercial Route

The application form for this challenge will require applicants to provide company information and answer 3 questions - Idea Summary, Technology Readiness and Intellectual Property &ndash; each with a limit of 300 words.
Additionally, the following documents must be attached for your application to be considered: 
<ul>
<li>Project plan</li>
<li>Project costings &ndash; only eligible costs will be funded, please read the Innovate UK <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/costs-we-fund/costs-guidance-for-non-academic-organisations/">Costs guidance</a> for further information</li>
</ul>
We recommend that you complete the application form in Google Chrome as other browsers may have compatibility issues. The application form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved for future edits. Please ensure that you toggle &ldquo;Stage Complete&rdquo; for each section before submission. Note that you will no longer be able to edit your application once you have clicked &ldquo;Submit Idea&rdquo; at the bottom of the Summary page.

Application & Technical Guidance

By submitting an application to this Innovation Exchange (iX) challenge, you acknowledge and agree that the information you provide will be shared with Innovate UK Business Connect and the challenge holder for the purposes of assessment and selection. All information submitted will be handled in confidence and shared only with those involved in the assessment and selection process under appropriate confidentiality expectations.
Please consider the level of detail you share in your submission to ensure it aligns with your own internal confidentiality or disclosure policies.
A selected panel of assessors will review and score your application. The panel of assessors will meet and agree a consensus score. Successful solutions will be selected by the challenge holder. Success will be based upon total consensus scores, a portfolio approach and capacity within the challenge holder&rsquo;s organisation to carry out the projects.
For more information on how Innovate UK Business Connect handles personal data, please refer to our&nbsp;<a href="https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/privacy-policy/" target="_new">Privacy Policy</a>.
&nbsp;

Whole Estate Renewable Energy Master Planning and Decision Support for a Rural Tourism and Agricultural Estate

Opportunity

Challenge opens

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Background

This challenge is brought to you by:

Whole Estate Renewable Energy Master Planning and Decision Support for a Rural Tourism and Agricultural EstateCopy Link

Opportunity

Challenge opens

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Benefit

Background

This challenge is brought to you by:

Whole Estate Renewable Energy Master Planning and Decision Support for a Rural Tourism and Agricultural Estate