Sectors
Net Zero, Biodiversity, Resource Efficiency
Grant funding for research and innovation is being deployed by the EU Commission to support businesses and universities to develop novel solutions for environmental sustainability challenges.
Grant Funding for net-zero, biodiversity and resource efficiency
At Venturenomix, we understand the complexities of this landscape and we’ve consistently helped innovators secure major UK and EU grants to drive impact at scale.
The FP7 programme from the EU had a total budget of €50.5bn, of which €10.1bn (20%) was dedicated to climate mitigation topics.
In Horizon 2020, 35% of the €79bn grant funding available (€27.5bn) was allocated to ‘addressing climate actions’, including €1bn for the EU Green Deal. Horizon Europe has a €95.5bn total grant funding budget, of which €33.4bn is dedicated to climate action (35%).
Grant funding offers businesses and researchers a unique opportunity to scale their impact while retaining ownership. The benefits include:
- Early-stage research projects for net-zero projects are eligible for 100% grant funding which de-risks innovation and collaboration between businesses and universities.
- Grant funding is designed to fund the development and testing of minimum viable products, prototypes and use case demonstrations.
- Grant funding supports the deployment and testing of biodiversity interventions across borders and with multiple partners.
- Collaboration is encouraged by grant funders looking to support resource efficiency innovations supporting net zero goals.
- Grant funding demonstrates traction which naturally leads to revenue generating opportunities and equity investment.
Funding in the UK
In the UK, funding for climate innovation is central to national priorities. The government’s Net Zero Strategy and Energy Security Strategy underpin billions in investment, with Innovate UK allocating substantial resources to clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainable growth. New funding calls are being launched by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, as well as the Department for Energy and Net Zero.
Funding in the EU
The European Green Deal sets the framework for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, supported by Horizon Europe’s €95.5 billion programme. Dedicated funding streams target biodiversity, sustainable industries, and climate adaptation, making this a major opportunity for innovators across Europe.
Success Stories
Net Zero, Biodiversity and Resource Efficiency themes for grant funding
Funding priorities in this sector are closely aligned with UK and EU climate policies. Current themes include:
- Net Zero transition and industrial decarbonisation
- Sustainable mobility and transport electrification
- Circular economy and waste
- Nature-based solutions and biodiversity restoration
- Climate adaptation and resilience (e.g. flooding, resilient cities)
- Digital environmental intelligence: AI and data platforms for monitoring ecosystems
There is huge overlap to other sectors such as grant funding for smart city, funding for industry 4.0, research funding for cleantech, and more.
Policy links:
Net Zero funding, Biodiversity grant funding and funding for Resource Efficiency: Programmes and Funders
A wide range of UK and EU funding programmes are available to innovators tackling climate and environmental challenges. These support projects at every stage of maturity – from early-stage feasibility studies to large-scale commercial pilots.
Key funding opportunities include:
| Programme | Funder | Grant value | Stage | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK funding | ||||
| Energy Catalyst | Innovate UK | Varies by round | Feasibility to demonstration | UK-led consortia |
| Innovation Loans | Innovate UK | Up to £5m | Late-stage, pre-market | UK SMEs |
| Growth Catalyst (formerly Investor Partnerships) | Innovate UK | Up to £2m grant + equity | Scale-up | UK SMEs with investor backing |
| Energy Entrepreneurs Fund | Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) | Varies by round | Development to demonstration | UK SMEs |
| European funding | ||||
| EIC Pathfinder | European Innovation Council | €1m+ | Early-stage research (TRL 1–4) | Consortia, incl. UK |
| EIC Transition | European Innovation Council | Up to €2.5m | Validation (TRL 4–6) | Single applicants or consortia, incl. UK |
| EIC Accelerator | European Innovation Council | €500k–€2.5m grant + up to €15m equity | Scale-up | SMEs (UK: grant only) |
| Pillar II Clusters 4–6 collaborative calls (Digital, Industry & Space; Climate, Energy & Mobility; Food, Bioeconomy & Environment) | Horizon Europe | Varies, often multi-million | Collaborative R&D | Consortia, incl. UK |
| LIFE Programme | CINEA | Varies by call | Pilot and demonstration | [Check UK eligibility] |
| Biodiversa+ | Biodiversa+ partnership, co-funded by Horizon Europe | Varies by call | Transnational research | Research consortia |
| Eurostars | EUREKA | Varies by country | Collaborative R&D | SMEs in an international consortium |
| Green Transition calls | EUREKA | Varies by country | Collaborative R&D | Businesses in an international consortium |
| Clusters, e.g. ITEA, CELTIC-NEXT | EUREKA | Varies by country | Industry-led collaborative R&D | Consortia of businesses and research organisations |
| Other funding options are also available, including UKRI research councils, DESNZ and DSIT net zero funding, and European Investment Bank green financing. Grant values are indicative and vary by call. | ||||
Winning Grant Funding for Net Zero, Biodiversity and Resource Efficiency
“At Venturenomix, we’ve helped innovators across net-zero, biodiversity, and sustainable technology secure the funding they need to scale.
Our team combines deep knowledge of R&D policy priorities with a proven track record in successful applications – from Horizon Europe collaborations to Innovate UK pilot projects.”
Malu Avila, PHD
Net Zero Sector Expert
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