houses

Housing in the UK is among the least energy efficient in western Europe. Although houses in England are recommended to be at least 18˚C at all times, many households do not meet this standard, leaving the inhabitants at risk of ill health.

£1.25 million is available through an Innovate UK Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition for projects that can help Leeds and York local councils improve domestic heat and energy monitoring. Funding is provided by the GovTech Catalyst.

A 2-phase competition

The competition will comprise 2 phases.

In the first phase, around 5 research and development contracts are expected to be awarded, with projects lasting up to 3 months. A total of £250,000 including VAT has been allocated to this phase.

2 successful applicants from phase 1 will be awarded R&D contracts in the second phase. Up to £500,000 including VAT will be allocated to each contract to develop a prototype and begin field testing. Phase 2 projects can last up to 12 months.

Competition information

  • the competition opens on 1 April 2019 and the deadline for registration is at midday on 8 May 2019
  • organisations of any size are eligible to apply
  • up to £250,000 including VAT is available in this phase
  • a briefing event will be held in Leeds on 11 April 2019