Up to £300,000 Available for Resource Efficient Construction Innovation Projects
Worcestershire innovators working in construction, retrofit, or sustainability now have access to a new funding opportunity from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Innovate UK.
The Contracts for Innovation competition is offering up to £3 million in total to support projects that demonstrate and validate the real-world impact of resource-efficient construction solutions. This is a unique chance for organisations to apply for 100% funded contracts ranging from £50,000 to £300,000, inclusive of VAT.
Key Dates:
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Opens: 14 July 2025
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Closes: 27 August 2025 at 11:00am
What’s It About?
This competition is designed to build on the outcomes of DESNZ’s Unlocking Resource Efficiency research, aiming to validate the tangible benefits of resource-efficient innovations within the construction sector.
Organisations can apply for funding to deliver an impact validation report, supported by recent or upcoming demonstrations. If your business doesn’t directly operate in construction, you’ll need to involve an integration supporter—such as a manufacturer, repair business, or potential end-user—who can help demonstrate how your solution delivers value in real-world scenarios.
Focus Areas for Construction Projects:
Projects must address at least one of the following themes:
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Reducing embodied carbon in new builds, retrofits, and infrastructure through low-carbon materials
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Reuse of construction products and components
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Extending the lifetime or re-purposing of buildings and infrastructure
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Lean design to minimise resource use and reduce over-specification
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Design for disassembly, reuse, or recycling
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Recovery of construction materials for reuse or recycling
This strand is part of a wider programme, which also includes Resource Efficiency in the Chemicals and Automotive sectors. However, this blog focuses specifically on the Construction Impacts theme.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
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Construction innovators
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Retrofit specialists
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Product designers and manufacturers
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Circular economy solution providers
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Sustainability consultants
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SMEs developing low-carbon or material reuse solutions
You must be a single legal entity (such as a limited company or registered organisation) to apply and be able to deliver your project over 3 to 5 months.
🔗 Find out more and apply via Innovate UK Business Connect
If you’re based in Worcestershire and want support with your application or help forming partnerships, get in touch with the Worcestershire Growth Hub team today.
