The Technology Strategy Board has launched a £25 million fund to support the development and commercialisation of innovative products in the UK’s energy sector. The Energy Catalyst fund will support a number of projects from early concept to pre-commercialisation; applications commence on 19 May.

Iain Gray (pictured), chief executive of the Board, said: “The Energy Catalyst will support those early-stage innovations with the potential to meet the challenge of providing affordable, secure and low-carbon energy. We are particularly pleased to be building upon the successful ‘catalyst’ model that we and our partners have implemented with such success through the Biomedical and Agri-Tech Catalyst programmes, and we look forward to continuing to support innovative UK companies working in the energy sector.”

Business Minister Michael Fallon said: “Historically, Britain has been home to some of the world’s greatest innovations, and this fund will help to continue that trend in the energy sector, which has real potential to create growth and jobs. Catalysts such as this form an important ‘delivery tool’ under our industrial strategy, which is giving business the confidence to invest, securing high-skilled jobs and a stronger economy.”