Get involved with NESO Innovation

Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) is a set allowance that each network receives to administer as part of their network price control. It is designed for early-stage research and development or small-scale demonstration projects.  

Using NIA, we develop and provide funding for projects which link to at least one of our innovation priorities. We welcome your project proposals throughout the year.  

Fill in the Big Idea form - this will be sent straight to our Innovation team who will assess your idea. Before submitting your Big Idea, we recommend reading our NIA Project Requirements.  

SIF is administered by Ofgem with support from Innovate UK (UKRI). It is focused on funding large-scale transformational research and development projects that address specific innovation challenges identified by Ofgem.

Funding is available for projects at any stage of development, including Discovery, Alpha and Beta. There are three funding cycles a year.

You can read more about the requirements of the fund in the SIF Governance Document. Information about the latest challenges and deadlines can be found on Ofgem’s website or you can stay up to date through the SIF newsletter.

If you think you have an idea for a large-scale transformational project suitable for SIF funding and NESO, please fill out the Big Idea form at any time with your proposal.