Regen Innovation Catalyst Proof of Concept Fund 2025 Pilot Call

Funding is available for University of Edinburgh researchers and academics to support development and de-risking of solutions that address climate change and related environmental sustainability challenges.  

Projects should begin from January and must finish by July 2026.  

Timeline  

Information webinar  

Register to join the online Q&A session scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 21 October 12:30-13:00.  

Scope of the call  

This call will support innovations (including technologies, products, and services) developed to address climate and environmental challenges. It will prioritise solutions at more advanced stages of development, with potential to scale and a credible plan to realise impact. Early-stage opportunities without validated potential to scale are also welcome to apply to receive feedback and to connect with Edinburgh Innovations and the wider University climate and environment research and innovation ecosystem. New hypotheses and original research ideas will not be supported.  

Funding and support available  

This pilot round has a budget of £75,000, which will fund 2-3 projects. No more than £50,000 can be requested in any one application and requested funds should be clearly justified. Selected projects will receive funding and tailored support (on issues such as IP strategy development, legal requirements, regulatory/market advice, business advice, prototype testing, etc.) to progress the commercial readiness of innovative solutions. 

Please review the call guidelines before completing an application. Call documents are available to download below.

Please submit your completed application form by email to sustainability@ei.ed.ac.uk by 12 noon on 25 November 2025.