Expression of interest: First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) builder: programme entry
Expression of interest: First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) builder: programme entry supports climate technology businesses with expert advice and technical assistance to advance commercial projects towards investment decisions.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: November 5, 2026, 11:00am UK time (EOI deadline) | December 2, 2026 (Interview invitations) | December 14–18, 2026 (Interviews) | January 5, 2027 (Notification) | March 1, 2027 (Latest start) | February 28, 2028 (Latest end)
Funding Amounts: Up to £315,000 in-kind support over 3–12 months; minimum £770,000 entry-stage budget
Summary: Supports late-stage UK climate technology businesses preparing first-of-a-kind commercial projects for Final Investment Decision.
Key Information: Single UK-registered SMEs only; technologies must be TRL 7 or above and projects beyond FEL Stage 1.
Description
FOAK Builder is an Innovate UK-led and funded pilot supporting strategically important climate technology projects approaching first commercial deployment. Programme entry provides expert advice, technical assistance, mentoring and upskilling rather than a cash grant. Its aim is to make first-of-a-kind commercial projects more credible, coordinated and investable, accelerating progress towards Final Investment Decision (FID).
Selected businesses work with Innovate UK and its Technical Assistance Supplier (TAS) to develop tailored FOAK Development and Support Plans. Support can address technical and engineering needs, financing, commercial agreements, project development, and team and governance capabilities. The programme targets projects aligned with UK Industrial Strategy priorities. Successful participants with agreed plans may be invited to a separate Phase 2 grant competition, but neither an invitation nor grant funding is guaranteed.
