Battery Investment Readiness Programme 2025

Innovate UK ICURe; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovate UK ICURe invites established SMEs in the battery sector to apply for a 12-week hybrid program designed to enhance investor engagement and fundraising strategies. Participants will develop pitch materials, gain confidence in investor meetings, and build valuable industry connections through workshops and a final showcase event.

Qualifications

• UK registered SME actively developing hardware or software solutions in the battery value chain.
• Seeking to engage with investors and raise capital in the next 6–12 months.

Responsibilities

• Develop investor pitch materials and refine fundraising strategies.
• Participate in workshops and networking sessions with investors and experts.

Skills

Investor pitching

Fundraising strategy

Collaboration

Job description

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, transport 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 (if selected).
  
  

If you would like to apply to take part, please review the schedule and complete the application form. You can review a copy of the T&Cs here. Successful applications will be required to sign and adhere to these.

• 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.

• 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 – 2024.

• Deadline for applications: 5pm, 31st July 2025
• Applicants notified no later than 15th August 2025
• 2nd September (Virtual)
• Session 1: Briefing & Meet the Programme Team
• Getting to Know You 1:1s
• 16th September (in-person, London)
• Fundraising Workshop 1: Overview of Institutional Readiness
• Session 2: Narrative & Storytelling
• 18th September (Virtual)
• Session 3: Introduction to Intellectual Property
• 14th October (in-person, London)
• Fundraising Workshop 2: Deep dive into the Fundraising Deck + Market Sizing
• Fundraising Workshop 3: Financial Modelling & Valuations
• Session 4: Investor Interactions & Investor FAQ
• 23rd October (Virtual)
• Session 5: Investor Connections
• 13th November (in-person, London)
• Fundraising Workshop 4: Negotiating a Term Sheet & Term Sheet Walk-through
• Pitch Feedback Session – friendly faces
• 20th November (Virtual)
• Session 6: Showcase Selection Panel – industry experts
• 9th December (in-person, London)
• Batteries & Critical Materials Investor Showcase
• The dates are subject to change and will be confirmed to successful applicants.
  

Find out more and apply