Innovate UK KTN, Global Alliance Africa Project provide solution to Africa’s energy challenge

In line with its mandate to provide efficient energy solution to Africa’s myriad energy challenges through the deployment of innovative technology and business models, Innovate UK KTN is partnering the Global Alliance Africa Project to host the Energy Catalyst event.

The Energy Catalyst, which is a programme aimed at accelerating the innovations needed to end energy poverty on the continent, is one of the UK’s biggest energy access focused grant funding initiatives, having invested more than £60 million in over 360 projects in eight different rounds.

The programme will also leverage financial and advisory support, build strategic partnerships, and uncover new insights to provide energy solutions to improve lives.

According to the Regional Lead of the Global Alliance Africa, Sophie West, “Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst programme helps early-to-late-stage innovators develop market-based technologies and business models that accelerate access to clean, modern and affordable energy in Africa, Asia and the Indo Pacific regions.”

She further stated: “Alongside the live event, which is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on June 23, 2022, Innovate UK EDGE is providing an online brokerage platform, B2match, to support potential applicants in finding partners for Energy Catalyst funding rounds.

“With key industry leaders in attendance, this event will provide ambitious organisations a chance to learn more about the Energy Catalyst and identify/match with potential partners from bioenergy, storage, solar PV, wind, heating and cooling, clean cooking, smart grids, and novel payment systems.

“The event is open to businesses, research technology organisations (RTOs), academic organisations, charities, public sector organisations, and non-governmental organisations in Africa, the UK, and internationally.”

West explained that due to COVID-19 restrictions, a select number of participants would be able to join the event in person, with live streaming available for online and global attendees.

She added: “B2match allows you to search for, message and meet online with potential partners globally to form a consortium to apply for funding. The platform is now open to allow potential applicants to connect and network before and after the brokerage event.”

“Funding for the Energy Catalyst is provided through the UK’s Ayrton Fund, part of the UK’s International Climate Finance commitment, which includes investment from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), as part of the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) Platform, and the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

“Innovate UK KTN is The UK’s Largest Innovation Network responsible for implementation of the Global Alliance Africa project. KTN Global Alliance Africa aims to accelerate innovations that promote inclusive economic growth, job creation and reduction of poverty. The overall objectives of KTN Global Alliance Africa are to build stronger UK-African and Pan-African knowledge and innovation partnerships that lead to mutual socio-economic benefits for African partner countries and the UK.”