Battery Investment Readiness Programme 2026 – Investor Support for UK Battery SMEs

The Innovate UK Battery Investment Readiness Programme 2026 is a 12-week hybrid programme designed to help UK battery-sector SMEs prepare to raise investment. Up to 30 businesses will be selected for expert workshops, investor engagement, mentoring and support developing their investment materials.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A 12-week investment-readiness programme

• Up to 30 UK SMEs selected

• Expert-led online and in-person workshops

• Support developing investor decks, elevator pitches and other investment materials

• Guidance around your value proposition, market, IP, financials and growth plans

• Pitch feedback directly from investors and industry experts

• Regular opportunities to connect with investors and mentors

• Support improving fundraising strategy and preparing for due diligence

• Opportunity for selected cohort members to pitch live to battery and critical-materials investors in January 2027

• Proposed in-person sessions on 12 October, 2 November and 10 December 2026.

Who can apply?

• UK-registered SMEs

• Businesses actively developing hardware or software within the battery value chain

• This can include battery materials, components, cells, recycling and enabling technologies

• Businesses serving sectors including automotive, aerospace, defence, maritime, rail or grid storage

• Companies looking to raise capital or build investor relationships within the next 6–12 months

• Applicants must not have participated in an Innovate UK Battery Investment Readiness Programme between 2021 and 2025

• The programme is aimed at established businesses with a defined product or solution rather than newly incorporated companies still developing an initial idea.

Expression of Interest deadline: 4 September 2026. Applicants must submit a five-minute video describing their company and relevant technology. Successful applicants are expected to be notified during the week commencing 14 September.