Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)

The Strategic Innovation Fund supports innovation in the energy sector for people to trial or launch new products, services or business models. The fund is for projects that could speed up the transition to net zero at the lowest cost to the consumer. It is part of the RIIO price controls, and Ofgem operates the fund in partnership with Innovate UK. The fund is designed to help improve gas and electricity networks for a low-carbon future by supporting projects at various stages of development including discovery, alpha, and beta phases. Applications are accepted through funding rounds (cycles), with projects being able to apply at any stage but only when each funding round is open.