Introduction

Innovate UK is inviting ambitious businesses, that are interested in applying to future rounds of Energy Catalyst funding, to apply for an international brokerage trip to Nepal. Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK EDGE, the programme of support consists of a preparation phase, followed by a 5 day country visit, and post-visit support from Innovate UK EDGE.

Energy Catalyst’s mission is to accelerate the innovation needed to reach sustainable development goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy. By providing financial and advisory support to innovators we help create strategic partnerships, uncover insights and develop business models to improve lives in Africa and Asia. In May 2021, £40 million of grant funding (across two funding competitions) was announced. This brokerage visit forms part of the collaboration building to enable businesses to develop equitable partnerships between the UK and overseas organisations.

Why Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country situated in South Asia. Nepal has a population of 29.14 million, and while 92.5% of the population have access to the electricity grid, that access is unreliable and unsustainable. Fossil fuel, coal, firewood and biomass are the main energy sources in Nepal, with the large majority of fossil fuel and coal being imported as Nepal has no known fossil fuel reserves, which leaves the country vulnerable. However, Nepal is in a position to develop a diverse domestic energy ecosystem due to the availability of abundant renewable energy resources. Hydro and solar power are already providing strong alternatives for electricity production in an ecosystem with a rising demand for power. This is reflected in the government’s plans to increase renewable energy capacity, including hydropower, to 15000MW by 2030 and provide 100% electricity access within two years.

What to expect:

Energy Catalyst international brokerage is a structured programme around three main phases and each business will have support from Innovate UK EDGE for the duration of the offering, including developing an action plan to capitalise on the opportunities identified. The three main phases are:
• Getting ready: Pre-visit briefing to build knowledge and understanding of the market and potential opportunities, including how to do business, cultural aspects, how to protect your IP and training on how to improve your pitch and articulate your value proposition.
• Market visit: Access to NGOs, local businesses, academics, and governments who will be able to provide information about local opportunities and with potential to become partners.
• Helping you make the best of the opportunity: Support from Innovate UK EDGE to follow up and take advantage of the opportunities identified.
Applicant Briefing Event

For more information on this programme and to compliment your application click HERE to download the recording of the applicant briefing.

About Energy Catalyst international brokerage: Energy Catalyst international brokerage brings together cohorts of up to 12 innovative UK businesses who are interested in applying for funding but need help tailoring their technologies to a market and/or building collaborations and partnerships.

They are not about trade and export, but on helping innovative UK businesses tap into complementary knowledge, skills, facilities, in the chosen country and building understanding, insight, collaborations, partnerships and networks to enable to business to apply for Energy Catalyst funding

The support can last up to 12 months and is structured around three phases:-


• Getting ready for the market: Pre-visit briefing to build knowledge and understanding of the market and potential opportunities, including how to do business, cultural aspects, how to protect your IP and training on how to improve your pitch and articulate your value proposition.

• Market visit: Access to NGOs, local businesses, academics, and governments who will be able to provide information about local opportunities and with the potential to become partners.

• Making the most of the opportunity: One-to-one support from Innovate UK EDGE to follow up and take advantage of the opportunities identified.

By applying for a place on this initiative, businesses commit to participating in all three delivery phases to maximise the opportunities for the business and public investment. An individual senior person from the business will be expected to participate in all activities and should be the named applicant.

Successful businesses will have designated support from Innovate UK EDGE for up to 12 months, including developing an action plan to capitalise on the opportunities identified. 


PLEASE NOTE: Successful applicants will be expected to fully comply with any conditions of travel to Nepal as well as any local regulations on face covering and social distancing. As such, you might be required to provide proof of vaccination, valid travel medical insurance and/or negative COVID-19 test ahead of travel. The safety of our delegation is our top priority. If the COVID-19 situation does not allow us to travel to the market, a virtual visit or postponement of the visit may be considered.
Application Form Process

3 sections to complete:
Section 1 Applicant information
Section 2 Business information and suitability with scope and objective
Section 3 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
 
To help you work on your application offline, a Word document version of this form can be downloaded HERE. Please note the offline form is only for your own use, and the information you wish to submit MUST BE ENTERED ONLINE for the application to be accepted.

Application closing date: Sunday 13th November 2022.
Section 2 is your opportunity to provide information that will be assessed against the scope and objectives for the programme.

Make sure to complete all sections.
Programme Information
Title Energy Catalyst Round 10
Country Nepal Technology/Sector Area Energy Access

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