Summary - Battery Investment Readiness 2026. Online registration by Cvent

Background

The Investment Readiness Programme is part of a UK Government funded programme, the Batteries Innovation Programme (BIP), delivered by Innovate UK & supported by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) formally (Department for Business and Trade) as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

IUK Business Connect will support the delivery of the Investment Readiness Programme and will select up to 30 SME’s to benefit from the support described below which will accelerate their investment journey.

What to expect

Selected companies will benefit from a 12-week hybrid programme, combining expert-led online and in-person workshops. These sessions are designed not just to deliver content, but to foster deep peer-to-peer learning, build trusted relationships, and provide direct access to experts. Participation for in-person workshops is strongly encouraged to maximise the value of the programme, especially in terms of building your network and benefiting from real-time, collaborative feedback.

Programme Overview:

The programme will support you to hone your pitch to investors, get a better understanding of the funding landscape, prepare your investment materials and be more confident in delivering a compelling commercial story. The programme will provide regular touch points with investors and mentors to help you navigate the fundraising process, make new connections and further your investment journey. The Programme will culminate in a live Showcase event where selected cohort members will pitch to an audience of investors active in the battery and critical materials sectors.

At the end of the Programme, you’ll have:

Developed a suite of investor pitch materials (elevator deck/investor deck/demo deck etc.).
Greater confidence in investor meetings, negotiations and due diligence.
Clear articulation of your value proposition, market, IP, financials, and growth plans.
Gained pitch feedback from investors & industry experts.
Built collaborative relationships with your cohort, industry experts & Innovate UK representatives along the way.
A live investor pitch experience at our final Showcase in January 2027 (if selected).

What are the benefits?

This programme is designed specifically for established companies that are actively developing a defined product or solution. If you've recently incorporated and are still shaping your idea, this may not be the right time to apply. The content is tailored for SMEs who are preparing to engage with investors in the next 6–12 months and need support refining their pitch, investment materials, and fundraising strategy.

We focus on developing and championing diversity of talent which we know will create a stronger battery ecosystem for the UK. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented individuals and female applicants.

Eligibility

UK registered SME
Actively developing hardware or software solutions in the battery value chain (e.g., materials, components, cells, recycling, enabling technologies)
Serving sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defence, maritime, rail, or grid storage
Seeking to build relationships with investors and/or raise capital in the next 6– 12 months
You must not have participated in any previous Innovate UK Battery Investment Readiness Programmes in 2021 – 2025

Proposed dates for in person delivery

12 October 2026
2 November 2026
10 December 2026

Expression of Interest application

Expression of interest closes on 13 September 2026. You will be notified if you have been selected by 18 September 2026

To express your interest in taking part in the Investor Readiness Programme 2026 please upload a 5 minute video describing your company and relevant technology in your EOI application. Your video should be a standard MP4 format.

If you have any questions, please contact Jacky Cope.

Click Express Your Interest below to complete your application.

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